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Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1860, by Napoleon 
B. Leidy, M. D., in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the 
United States in and for the Eastern District of the State of 
Pennsylvania. 

DR. LEIDY'S 

MONITOR AND ADVISER, 

FOREWARNING YOUTH TO ADVANCED AGE AGAINST 
THE EFFECTS AND DANGEROUS CONSEQUENCES 

OF 

MASTURBATION. ONANISM, SELF-ABUSE OR POLLUTION. 
VENEREAL DISEASES OR EXCESSES, 

AND 

SPECIAL AILMENTS, DISEASES, OR SITUATIONS, 

INCIDENT TO BOTH SEXES, BEFORE, AT AND AFTER 

PUBERTY OR MATURITY, MARRIED OR SINGLE, 

WITH ADVICE AND TREATMENT, 

FROM WHATEVER CAUSE. 



BY N. B. LEIDY, M. V., 

PRINCIPAL OF THE PHILADELPHIA VENEREAL HOSPITAL, 

Associate and Honorary Member of various Medical Institutions, and 
Graduate of the University of Pennsylvania of 1833; from which 
time (twenty-seven years), having heen engaged in the treat- 
ment of Venereal and Syphilitic Diseases, and other deli- 
cate disorders or situations incident to the sexes, as 
a specialty; and, with so long practice, expe- 
rience and observation, now the chief_ 
suiting Physician in Philadelj 
by correspondence throuj " 
States in Critical, 

.»> 



PHILADELPHIA 

1860. 




This book will be sent any distance by mail, free of Postage, by 
Dr. N. B. Liipt, for Twenty -five, Cents; or, six copies for One Dollar, 



2 



DIPLOMA 



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INDEX 



Explanation of terms and words Page 4 

Special remarks ; to single and married 5 

Preface; unusually important 7 

Special references; to Females, single and married 14 

To all readers; secrecy, confidence, fees, etc 15 

Letters of inquiry ; how answered, etc 19 

Special references; to Males, single and married 25 

Spermatorrhea ; Self-abuse — Onanism — Masturbation — Pol- 
lutions — Involuntary Emissions — their history and pro- 
gress — causes and effects— hints to Parents — regrets, misery 
and unhappiness — seduction — caution against marriage... 26-59 

Venereal excesses; morbid desires, vanity, etc 59 

Seminal emissions; causes and effects 63-69 

Spermatorrhea; treatment and advice 69-77 

Improper indulgences, among Females 77 

Impotency; causes, effects, and advice 79-85 

Blenorrhagia — Balanitis — Leucorrhea, or " the "Whites" 
— villany of Quacks — suspicion, crimination and recrimi- 
nation—reconciliation — treatment, etc 85-99 

Gonorrhea ('• Clap") in the male; symptoms and treatment. 99-112 

Quack (Self-styled Doctors), their victims 104, 105 

Dr. N. B. Leidy's Specifics; for Gonorrhea . 106 

Quack receipts; for Gonorrhoea, caution and danger 107-111 

Mercury — Injections— Bougies— bad effects of Ill, 112 

Chordee— Phymosis — Paraphymosis— Vegetations— Warts- 
Excrescences, and their treatment 112-115 

Swelled testicles or Orchitis, Varicocele, and treatment... 115-118 

Stricture — Gleet— Dr. N. B. Leidy's peculiar treatment 118-127 

Gonorrhea in the Female, and treatment — distinguished 

from Leucorrhcea, or u the Whites," and other discharges. 127-135 
Syphilis ( <; Pox"), in all stages, in male and female, and treat- 
ment \ 135-167 

Chancre; primary, its progress and treatment 140 

Chancres ; Indurated — Phagadenic — Serpiginous or creep- 
ing — Gangrenous — Urethral or concealed 144-147 

Chancres; in the female 147-149 

Buboes; in male and female. 149-152 

Herpes preputialis - Itching of the genitals, etc 167-173 

Menstruation ; its absence, irregularity, painful, scanty or 

profuse, decline or change of life, etc. 173-185 

Young Females; drugged for Amenorrhoea 176 

Female Irregularities; consult Dr. N. B. Leidy 180 

Leucorrhea (the ''Whites"); causes, effects and treatment. 185-189 

Delicate subjects for Single and Married. , 189 

Information desired when first writing 190 

Complexion purifier— Tonic and Stimulant 190 

Monthly crystalline medicine for Females 191 

Restorer and In vigor ator— Syphilitic medicines 192 

(3) 



WORDS AND TERMS 

EXPLAINED, THAT MANY MAY NOT BE FAMILIAR WITH, 
AND IN THE MOST SIMPLE MANNER" TO BE MADE IN- 
TELLIGIBLE. 



Abrasion; a chafing or rubbing off the surface. 

Anus ; lower opening of the rectum for escape of faeces. 

Caries; diseased or mortified condition of bone. 

Corona glandis ; posterior ridge of the head of the penis. 

Continence ; total abstinence from sexual intercourse. 

Diaphoresis; perspiration or sweating. 

Diaphoretics ; medicines producing perspiration. 

Dysuria ; difficulty, heat and pain, voiding urine. 

Ejaculation ; the act of throwing out semen. 

Eruptions ; a breaking out of sores. 

Erosions ; sores eating and destroying vital parts. 

Escharotics ; caustic medicines or applications. 

Excoriations; superficial destructive sores. 

Fjeces; excrement or refuse from stomach and bowels. 

Fundus ; fundament or lower extremity of the rectum. 

Gangrene ; incipient mortification. 

Generative; the power of propagation. 

Genitals; the organs of generation. 

Glans-penis ; as understood, head of the penis. 

Hematuria ; voiding bloody urine. 

Ichorous; thin and watery (applied to humors). 

Labia; lips or folds of membranes, as applicable to the external 

female genitals, the pudendum, vulva, etc. 
Maturity ; of full age when applied to years. 
Marasm : a wasting away of animal substance. 
Meatus ; mouth or opening to whatever applied. 
Micturition; the act of voiding urine. 
Narcotics ; medicines producing sleep. 
Necrosis ; dry, gradual mortification of a part. 
Nodes ; swelling of the periosteum, bones and joints. 
Os-uteri ; mouth of the womb. 

Palpitation ; fluttering or beating, as of the heart at times. 
Perineum ; space between the genitals and anus. 
Periosteum ; thin membranous covering of the bones. 
Pledgets ; pieces of linen, lint, or soft rags. 
Prepuce; loose membrane or covering of the glans-penis. 
Puberty ; average age or period, capable of propagating. 
Rectum; lower portion of the large intestines. 
Scrotum; membranous bag, containing the testicles, etc. 
Sloughing ; separation of diseased parts. 
Suppuration; the generation of matter or pus. 
Tampon; a folded piece of soft linen or muslin. 
Urethra; canal or passage leading to the bladder. 
Vagina; passage to the Uterus or womb. 
Virus; an unhealthy or contagious matter. 
Vulva : external membranous folds of female genitals. 

(4) 



TO THE SINGLE AND MARRIED ! 
SPECIAL REMARKS 

FOR THOSE WHO WILL UNDERSTAND. 



" It is time to burst through the veil of that artificial bashfulness, 
which has injured the growth, while it has affected the features of 
genuine purity. Society has suffered enough from that spurious modesty 
which lets fearful forms of vice swell to a rank luxuriance, father 
than point at their existence — which coyly turns away its head from 
the wounds and putrefying sores, that are eating into our system, 
because it would have to blush at the exposure."— Quarterly Revieiv, 
1846. 

"Truth must ultimately vanquish error, and vindicate its divine 
origin. There is no truth relating to this life only, so important as 
that which teaches the means of securing a sound mind in a sound 
body." 

Some perhaps in reading the following, may think the remarks 
rather severe, — but many must feel their force, conscious of their 
correctness, and feel rebuked for their neglect of others, and for 
which they, themselves would have censured— aye, cursed those, hav- 
ing had them in minority, under their care, for neglect, had they 
been similarly afflicted, from similar causes. 

There is a culpable neglect, whether through real, false, or as- 
sumed modesty, or diffidence among physicians, fathers, mothers, 
guardians, etc., in not directing more particular attention to the 
changed and unhealthy appearance or conditions of youth of either 
sex* and in not endeavoring to ascertain the cause; and after finding 
it out, are doubly censurable, if not taking prompt measures to avert 
consequences already existing, or which will most certainly ensue. 

What must be the feelings of parents who see in their sons or 
daughters a gradual, unmistakeable decline in early age, and not 
heeding it? — becoming in after years imbecile or idiotic, — destitute 
of the natural attributes of their sex, — indifferent to society, or 
aught else, — inanimate, sluggish, solitary and lonely in their ways, 
— complexions sallow or pale, with wild and sunken eyes, and of 
ghastly look or appearance, — mere shadows of a human being, — life 
to themselves a burthen, — objects of pity to all, and sooner or later 
either become inmates of a lunatic asylum, or commit suicide, unless 

1* (5) 



SPECIAL REMARKS. 



sooner relieved of their miserable conditions through premature 
death. After which, follows the shame, mortification, regret, sorrow 
and remorse o f conscience, of parents for their neglect in thus being 
instrumental in the sacrifice, perhaps of an only son or daughter. 
Though others may be censured, having youths under their care, yet 
not possessing the same paternal feelings for the offspring of others, 
as much watchfulness on their part is not generally expected. 

Parents having children of their own ; or others having youths 
of either sex under their care, say ten years of age and upwards; 
should furnish this book to them, or place it in their way ; — that, by 
learning soon as possible the serious consequences of improper habits 
or associations, they may be timely warned against them; or if 
guilty, they may be deterred from their continuance. There are 
numerous ailments and conditions to which either sex is liable, 
treated of in this book, of which they should have some knowledge, 
and is but proper and right they should know in advancing to ma- 
turity, and particularly after, when contemplating matrimony. 

There is nothing in this small work that can be objectionable; — 
except to the over fastidious or falsely modest and ignorant, presum- 
ing much upon their own superabundance of profound and assumed 
wisdom, discerning judgment, and discriminating sense of delicacy 
and indelicacy. 

There are a few subjects that at first may seem a little indelicate, 
but I would ask, — will not a knowledge of them, and of the serious 
consequences resulting, cause thousands of both sexes, at all ages, 
single and married, to be cautious, careful and prudent in their 
habits, indulgences, and associations, and avoid temptation and 
danger? If so, and a healthful and moral influence is produced, — 
who can say, notwithstanding the seeming indelicacy, they are ob- 
jectionable? 

How important too will be, information on some subjects in this 
book, to many, leading to happy results, both before and after mar- 
riage; when under peculiar circumstances otherwise, the most mis- 
chievous and serious consequences may have occurred. 

There are daily and nightly (particularly in large cities or towns) 
sights exhibited in windows of fashionable stores; and at other places, 
scenes or representations witnessed by all classes, at all ages, and of 
both sexes, for the gratification of whose morbid tastes " tens of thou- 
sands of dollars" are annually expended ; of pernicious tendencies, 
certainly no moral good or healthful influence; — whilst many of 
those same persons will, perhaps, condemn " this little book, costing 
but twenty-five cents," that may save the life of a human being; — 
relieve doubt, anxiety and suffering,— -promote health,— the mediator 
between husband and wife, — the harbinger or messenger of peace 
and happiness, of inestimable and priceless value. 



PREFACE. 



Too often is the preface of a work overlooked 
as unimportant, and not read. The preface to 
this, however, is deemed of some importance, 
and, it is to be hoped, will be read by every one. 

This work, though small, is more comprehen- 
sive and intelligible, and embraces much more, 
that is really useful on certain subjects, than is 
contained in any other work of similar extent, 
and even in many that are more voluminous and 
expensive. The language is such that all who 
can read, and are possessed of an ordinary Eng- 
lish education, cannot fail to understand ; so 
that there will be few, it is hoped, who cannot 
avail themselves of all the benefit or good in- 
tended to be accomplished by it. 

Though it may not be considered strictly pro- 
fessional throughout, nor partakes of that style 
which members of the Medical Profession look 
for, the writer would remark, . the work is in- 
tended in as brief manner as possible, to be made 
intelligible to all; particularly li the rest of 

(?) 



8 PREFACE. 

mankind" (apart from the profession), thousands 
of whom, but for this mode of imparting infor- 
mation, for various reasons, would never seek 
Professional aid or advice, but would remain in 
their ignorance, allowing their sufferings to con- 
tinue and increase ; and, linger out a longer or 
shorter period of misery and wretchedness, until 
relieved by Death. 

Upwards of twenty-seven years have I been en- 
gaged in the treatment of the consequences of 
various habits and abuses, as well as certain 
special diseases and conditions incident to both 
sexes at all ages, in hospital and private prac- 
tice ; and in that time I have had opportunities 
of ascertaining much in regard to their nature, 
causes, and character, and from observation and 
experience learned the most desirable and effec- 
tual modes of treatment and cure. 

To a certain extent I am willing to impart 
the result of my observations and experience to 
others, besides adding such information as may 
be useful. It cannot be reasonably expected in 
so small a volume as this, that minutiae in all 
that relates to the various diseases or conditions 
treated of in it, their history, pathology, &c, can 
be fully entered into or given. 



PREFACE. 9 

It is intended, however, to impart such know- 
ledge, information, and advice, as may enable 
many to cure themselves, or accomplish as much 
as may be possible by one's self, and be relieved 
to a certain extent. Yet after all that may be 
said or written, many will be unable, through 
want of ability or confidence, or through fear of 
committing some unfortunate error, to under- 
take the treatment of their own cases ; or cannot, 
if inclined, because unable to procure such medi- 
cines or preparations at or near their homes, as 
may be required or prescribed. 

There are very many who suffer much and 
long from various causes, and through diffidence 
or modesty, fear or shame, add to their suffer- 
ings, by ignorance of the danger or consequences 
of certain diseases or habits, and neglecting to 
seek relief until their situations become distressing 
and alarming. 

It is truly deplorable how many youth, of both 
sexes, hesitate and neglect to seek proper aid or 
Medical advice early, or so soon as they dis- 
cover the existence of any symptoms indicating 
disease, loss of vigor, declining health or strength ; 
and, when forced or obliged to do so, they often 
become the victims of Foreign and Native Quacks 



10 PREFACE. 

or Impostors, promising early and prompt relief, 
and are robbed and deceived by them ; or they 
are induced to try the numerous Quack nostrums, 
so boastingly and disgustingly published and 
puffed in various ways ; but after employing or 
taking one and another without the expected and 
promised benefit or cure, they find themselves even 
in a worse condition than in the beginning, con- 
stitutionally injured, &c. ; at last to be restored 
only through the care and advice of some com- 
petent Physician. 

The young and timid girl hesitates or fears to, 
communicate to either of her parents what she 
suffers, until, after lapse of time, her appearance 
and declining health attracts attention — but it is 
ofttimes discovered too late, and instead of en- 
tering Womanhood in health, possessing vigor 
and the attributes of Nature, she becomes the 
almost constant patient of some Medical ad- 
viser, or is induced to experiment with various 
preparations recommended by her friends, or 
Nostrums of Quacks or Empirics, in the vain 
hope of being restored, until, alas, after years 
of terrible suffering, and mental agony and 
anxiety, an early grave ends her career. 

Very many of both sexes enter into matrimony 



PREFACE. . 11 

with bright prospects, hopes and anticipations 
of happiness.; but, sooner or later, they are over- 
whelmed with mortification and misery at dis- 
covering their gradually declining physical ener- 
gies or abilities, under circumstances not easily 
averted or changed. Too often one or another, 
conscious of defects, or conditions existing which 
should forbid matrimony at the time, yet unad- 
visedly enter into it-; after which their condi- 
tions becoming daily more apparent and mani- 
fest, they are made miserable and unhappy, and 
their partners innocently made to suffer also. 

Youth, as well as the more advanced and 
aged, single and married, frequently depend too 
much upon their own judgment in accomplishing 
cures of certain diseases, &c, that they cannot 
effect ; although possessed perhaps of much judg- 
ment in various matters, or information on cer- 
tain subjects, they should remember they do not 
know all that pertains to the character, nature, 
and cure of certain diseases, but often trifle 
with and injure themselves, adding much to their 
sufferings, thereby prolonging their recovery even 
with competent Medical skill. In certain dis- 
eases, after their primary stages or conditions, it 
would not be advisable for persons to attempt 



12 • PREFACE. 

treatment of their own cases; where of such 
nature and character as generally require the 
result of observation, experience, and skill to 
cure. To tamper with them would only be to 
endanger general health and perhaps life. 

Whilst most respectable, intelligent, and skil- 
ful Physicians throughout the Union are engaged 
in general practice, treating all manner or classes 
of diseases among families, whether in cities, 
towns, or country, within a circuit of many miles, 
it is evident they must have a much smaller pro- 
portion of practice in any special class, than 
one who for more than twenty-seven years has 
been known far and near as devoting himself 
exclusively to the treatment of diseases embraced 
in such class. From directing my whole atten- 
tion to such as are made the subject of this 
work, therefore, together with my observations 
and experience in many thousand cases for many 
years, I trust I may, without presumption, claim 
some precedence. 

I might fill volumes with the history and 
character of cases cured by me, but, it is well 
known, no one peculiarly afflicted or diseased 
would permit his or her case, either with name, 
initials, or residence to be published ; and, with- 



PREFACE. 13 

out which, they would be generally thought 
false and untrue, as are those published by 
Quacks and Impostors to force belief if possible 
of their abilities, that they may the more easily 
impose upon the unthinking, unsuspecting, and 
too credulous sufferers. 

The medicines prescribed or directed by me 
in this book, are mostly of such a character as 
can be obtained from apothecaries ; except a 
few which I prepare myself, to be the more 
certain of their efficacy, and because, as pre- 
pared by others, they are frequently impure and 
adulterated, and cannot be relied upon ; besides, 
several articles employed so successfully by me, 
I am obliged to import from the East Indies, 
and are not to be had elsewhere. 

To avoid mistakes an exact copy should always 
be made from the book, of the prescription in- 
tended to be employed, or the printed prescrip- 
tion be shown the Apothecary. Memory should 
not be depended upon, as the mistaking of names 
of medicines may produce mischief; or the quan- 
tities of several to be compounded together, 
wrongly proportioned, may change the desired 
effect entirely. 

Notwithstanding a few sections of what is so- 
2 



14 PREFACE. 

called the " Preface" may be thought by some 
not in place, nevertheless I have deemed it a 
fitting place for them, and as the book is in- 
tended for the good and benefit of its readers, 
particularly the afflicted and unfortunate, a 
formal arrangement of some portions is con- 
sidered unnecessary, and not observed. 

K B. LEIDY, M. D. 



SPECIAL REFERENCES FOR FEMALES, 

SINGLE AND MARRIED. 

i oung Ladies' suffering and distress, through 

modesty, fear, and neglect Page 9, 10, 11 

Confidence and Secrecy , 15 

Mothers, guardians, etc., of young Misses.... 18 

Single females contemplating marriage 23, 59 

Females, insane from certain causes 33, 34 

Mothers, watch your child-nurses 41, 70 

No right to sacrifice young girls, or others, in 

marriage, as a remedy for man 75, 76 

To all females, particularly in youth 77, 78, 79 

Invaluable information, for single and married, 

promoting health and happiness of parties. 85 to 99 

Domestic trouble, and suspicion avoided 133, 134 

Causes of distress and annoyance to females ... 167, 169 

Females imposed upon through fraud 179 

Of special importance to all females 185 to 189 

Peculiar delicate subjects 189 

How to remove blotches, etc., from face and 

neck 190 

How to prevent irregularities, etc ... 191 

Invigorating medicine 192 



TO ALL READERS 



You are earnestly requested to read the fol- 
lowing sections carefully ; they will sufficiently 
explain themselves, as adapted to one and an- 
other reading; them. 



All persons Male or Female, young or 
old, single or married, whether applying to Dr. 
N. B. Leidy personally, at his private Office, or 
addressing him by Letter, can rely upon strict 
confidence and secrecy ; and be the situation of 
any one what it may, to betray or expose a 
patient, or any one confiding his or her case with 
him, would be for him to violate obligations of 
Institutions to which he is attached, sacred as 
Holy Writ. 



Letters, and Packages of Medicine sent 
by Mail, or forwarded by Express or otherwise, 
never have any outside imprint or mark, whereby 
others may know from whence they came or by 
whom sent. Persons not wishing to be known 
themselves, or not desiring to address communi- 

(15) 



16 TO ALL READERS. 

cations in their own names to Dr. Leidy, can 
address him by any assumed name or initials, 
and Letters or Packages will be addressed, 
marked and forwarded as directed. 



Address all Letters, 

DR. K B. LEIDY, 
No 243 North Sixth St., above Race. 

Philadelphia. 
Or Box No. 1374, Post Office, Philadelphia. 



There is much trouble and time con- 
sumed in answering Letters ; in order to observe 
inviolable secrecy, an assistant cannot be em- 
ployed to answer them, neither to give advice, 
prescribe for, or treat patients — but all must be 
done by Dr. Leidy himself. Hence, the first 
Letter from any one addressed him should con- 
tain a reasonable fee. The writer may use his 
own discretion as to the amount ; be what it 
may, he can religiously and honourably rely 
upon receiving its full value or equivalent there- 
for, in information, advice, medicine, &c. 



There are but few who cannot form a 
nearly correct idea as to what a reasonable fee 



TO ALL READERS. 17 

is, in consideration of the benefit or importance 
of the information desired ; or, if desiring advice 
and medicine, judging of the character, nature, 
extent and duration, whether of short or long 
standing, of his or her disease or situation, how- 
ever bad or hopeless ; or whether having been 
already unsuccessfully treated by others ; or re- 
sisted usual remedies, &c. , &c. All who sincerely 
require information, advice, or treatment, are 
willing to pay for it, and always enclose a fee. 
Those who think the time and trouble of corres- 
pondence is but of little moment, or who from 
idle curiosity address Dr. Leidy, and think his 
time is theirs, and expect it to be devoted 
gratuitously to them, cannot expect their Letters 
to be answered. Thousands have been hereto- 
fore received, of such character, and destroyed 
without being answered. Time and trouble of 
answering Letters, when for others' benefit, 
should always be paid for, as well as Time em- 
ployed in manual labor, or for other services. 



No certificates, names of individuals, or 

correspondence of patients, are ever published by 

Dr. Leidy ; hence there need be no fear of ex. 

posure; but all Letters, &c, are destroyed w T hen 

2* 



18 TO ALL READERS. 

no longer necessary for reference during the 
treatment of a case; or, if specially requested, 
they will be returned. 



It will be an act of humanity, if the 
reader of this book, after having perused it, and 
having no further use for it, will envelop it in 
a private manner, and address, or forward it, to 
some friend or acquaintance who may be known 
or suspected of being afflicted in some delicate 
way, and who, through its medium, may be in- 
duced to seek relief and be restored. 



Parents, Guardians, Teachers, and all 
others having charge and care of youth, are re- 
quested to read this small book themselves ; then 
judge if it be not a proper one for youth of both 
sexes. It contains no disgusting pictures or 
obscene language, that can render it objection- 
able to being introduced into any family. It 
will be instrumental in warning thousands of 
youth and others against evils which might 
otherwise befall them, and rescue thousands who 
have already fallen, from a degraded condition, 
miserable existence, and premature death. 



LETTERS OF INQUIRY. 



Numerous Letters of inquiry are sent me by 
the afflicted and unfortunate of both sexes, in 
relation to treatment of special, private, delicate, 
and secret diseases, or situations of a peculiar 
character, asking various questions, as — Can 
you relieve me ? Can you cure me ? Is my 
case curable ? How long will it take ? Can 
medicine be taken without detection or dis- 
covery ? Do you employ or give Mercury ? 
Can you send Medicines by mail or otherwise ? 
What are your terms or charges ? &c, &c. To 
answer all in writing (as several thousand are 
received annually) would be impossible, being 
obliged to answer all myself because of privacy 
and secrecy ; I therefore send a printed sheet in 
reply, (enveloped letter form) of which the fol- 
lowing is part copy. Giving it place here will 
render it unnecessary for the readers of it to ad- 
dress me on the same points ; which will no 
doubt be satisfactory, and enable all to determine 
their course. 

(19) 



20 LETTERS OF INQUIRY. 

Respected 



I feel sufficient confidence in my own 
ability and capacity, to say : if I cannot cure 
you I believe no one else can. I believe there 
are few cases, however bad, long standing, 
or that have baffled the skill of others, that are 
incurable, under proper treatment, if time and 
opportunity be allowed, with equal care and at- 
tention on the part of patients. Doctors can 
only advise, prescribe, or furnish medicine and 
means of cure, whilst it requires patients to ob- 
serve the advice, follow instructions, &c. 

No Physician is superhuman, or can accom- 
plish a cure in a specific or given time, regard- 
less of adverse circumstances, Nature's opera- 
tions, the Divine will, &c. I do assert, however, 
most positively, that I believe I can cure in as 
short a space of time as any other, and less than 
most others ; but no one can be honest in naming 
a positive fixed time of cure in any case. Never- 
theless, there are Foreign and Native Quacks 
and Impostors, having neither reputation or 
character to lose, without education, skill, or 
capacity, regardless of all circumstances or con- 
sequences resulting from wrong treatment, or 
delay and loss of time to patients, who will pro- 



LETTERS OF INQUIRY. 21 

mise or guaranty to accomplish or cure anything 
in a few hours, days or weeks, to secure and 
obtain a fee ; even uftder forfeits (they cannot 
be made to pay) irrecoverable, and which they 
know patients would not expose themselves to 
recover if they could. The fee once obtained, 
they care not if hours become days, days length- 
ened into weeks, weeks into months or years — 
in fact, having extorted and obtained all that is 
likely to, or can, be obtained from their patients, 
regardless of their condition, they are abandoned 
to seek relief elsewhere ; which can only be 
found, under treatment of a regularly educated, 
graduated, skilful and experienced Physician. 

Shuu, therefore, all Quacks and Impostors, 
if you would not* add to your sufferings ! Shun 
them if you would not be deceived, robbed and 
swindled ! Shun them if you value your future 
happiness! Shun them if you do not wish to 
be constitutionally injured, and your physical 
strength and energy affected, or debilitated for 
life! 

The choice of a Physician is of the utmost 
importance, but is difficult, in face of the lying 
boasts, false pretences and promises, boasted 
qualifications, and incredible assertions of these 



22 LETTERS OP INQUIRY. 

same Quacks and Impostors ; who, but for the 
lameness of the Laws in many States, allowing 
any \t Ignoramus 7 J or " Charlatan" to assume 
the title of " Doctor," and stick out a " Doctor's 
Sign" with their own or assumed names,, would 
be prosecuted or imprisoned for obtaining money 
under false pretences, and liable to damages for 
mal-practice and wrong treatment ; increasing 
the sufferings, and constitutionally injuring, and 
tampering with the lives of their too credulous 
and unsuspecting patients. They rely chiefly 
upon Mercury, in various forms, Pills, Mixtures, 
Extracts, &c, as "cure alls," or "specifics," 
in all manner of cases — killing or curing ; the 
cured are seldom heard of; the dead never, for 
they are silent in their graves ; their living 
friends little knowing or suspecting the cause of 
death. 

Mercury is not employed by me, and the 
medicines prescribed or furnished to my patients 
can be taken without fear or danger from expo- 
sure to all weather ; without restraint from occu- 
pation, and in very few cases, indeed, without 
change in diet, or usual course of living. They 
are pleasant, agreeable, and easy to take, and 
without fear of detection by others. They can 



LETTERS OP INQUIRY. 23 

be sent by mail, express, or otherwise, and it is 
requested that patients will always inform me how 
they would prefer having them sent. 

A remittance of any amount, sent by Letter 
or otherwise, with an explicit description of exist- 
ing disease or symptoms, will always insure 
medicine, advice, and instructions to its full 
value. Should the case of a patient be a bad 
one, or of a serious nature, or of long standing, 
the patient will be fully apprized of it, and may 
be fully assured that, if more remuneration is 
required, it will be no more than the case will 
justify ; and may rely upon being honourably and 
fairly dealt with, and required to pay as reason- 
ably as can possibly be afforded, and on accom- 
modating terms. 

The Single of either sex, whether contempla- 
ting marriage or not, or the married, if there be 
anything in their nature, organization, or aught 
else that may be, or might become, perchance, an 
impediment to, or interfere with th^ir marital 
rights, or subject them to exposure should cast 
off all fear, affectation, or modest/, and consult 
some competent Physician before His too late. 
If not convenient to call at my dfice, by writing 
Letter (enclosing fee), giving a description of 



24 LETTERS OF INQUIRY. 

any one's case or situation, such medicine, ad- 
vice, or information may be furnished and sent 
according to directions, as will save much anxiety, 
exposure, uneasiness, and mortification, or 
frequently serious consequences, which too often 
are the lot of many before and after entering 
into matrimony; and which might have been 
averted. 

It may not here be out of place to assert, most 
positively and without fear of contradiction (ex- 
cept by a Quack or Impostor, who will say or 
do anything to carry out a fraudulent object), 
that I am the only regularly educated graduate 
Physician of the University of Pennsylvania, of 
1833, advertising, and residing in Philadelphia, 
(for three years previous to graduation, a 
student of Samuel Jackson, M. D., Professor in 
said Institution); now more than twenty-five 
years engaged in Hospital and Private practice, 
fa treatment of Special Diseases ; and because 
of my exclusive devotion to their treatment, long 
experience, ^nd consequent knowledge and ob- 
servation, acknowledged skill and success, am 
consulted in critical cases, by the Profession, 
particularly in Philadelphia, to whom I can 
proudly refer, and also to Merchants, Hotel 



LETTERS OF INQUIRY. 25 

Proprietors, Publishers, and other citizens, who 
have known, heard of, and witnessed many re- 
markable and unexpected cures. 

Communications confidential. Offices and in- 
terviews strictly private. 

Very respectfully yours, etc., 

N. B. LEIDY, M. D., 
No. 243 North Sixth St., above Race, 
Opposite Franklin Square, 
Philadelphia. 



SPECIAL REFERENCES FOR MALES, 

SINGLE AND MARRIED. 

Youths or young men's suffering and distress, 

through modesty, fear, and neglect Page 9, 10, 11 

Confidence and Secrecy 15 

Fathers, guardians, teachers, etc., of youths... 18, 70 

Single men contemplating marriage.. 23, 59 

Males, insane from certain causes 33, 34 

Guilty youths, cautioned and advised 51 

Regrets, for past indiscretions, etc 54 

Results of man's pride in his virile power 60 

Results of fornication and excessive indulgence. 68, 80 
Invaluable information, for single and married, 

promoting health and happiness of parties... 85 to 99 

Unjustifiable intercourse during a gleet 122 

Causes of distress and annoyance, through dis- 
ease and insects, etc 167tol73 

How to remove pimples and blotches on the 

face, etc., and stimulate organic powers 190 

How to restore and invigorate nature 192 



SPERMATORRHEA, 

AN UNNATURAL FLOW, SOMETIMES 
EXCESSIVE — LOSS OF SEMEN. 



Under this head I shall treat of Onanism, 
Self-abuse, Masturbation, Pollutions, Wet- 
dreams, and Nocturnal and Diurnal emissions ; 
first, defining the distinctive meaning of the 
terms as clearly as possible — though difficult, be- 
cause so generally employed as almost synony- 
mous ; in consequence of which they will be pro- 
miscuously employed — this being unavoidable in 
treating of Spermatorrhea as the subject head. 

The word " Spermatorrhea" is derived from 
the Greek "tfTt^a" (sperma), signifying Semen, 
and "p" (reo) to flow; by their combination 
expressive of a discharge or flow of semen — more 
particularly applied to ejaculations and emis- 
sions produced in a variety of ways, and by 
their frequency and excess, resulting in serious 
local and constitutional effects, which will be 
hereafter fully described. Lalleraand defines 
Spermatorrhea to be a very abundant evacuation 
of Semen, in whatever manner it may take place. 

By "■ Onanism" is implied the crime or sin of 
Onan, which will be better understood on refer- 

(26) 



SPERMATORRHEA. 2T 

ence to the 38th chapter of the first book of 
Moses, called Genesis, more particularly from the 
6th to the 10th verses inclusive, as follows : — 

"And Judah took a wife for Er, his first born, 
whose name was Tamar. 

"And Er, Judah 's first born, was wicked in 
the sight of the Lord ; and the Lord slew him. 

" And Judah said unto Onan, go in unto thy 
brother's (Er's) wife, and marry her, and raise 
up seed to thy brother. 

" And Onan knew that the seed should not 
be his, and it came to pass, w r hen he went into 
his brother's wife, that, he spilled it on the 
ground, lest that he should give seed to his 
brother. 

"And the thing which he did, displeased the 
Lord, wherefore he slew him also." 

Thus it would appear the ' ' spilling it on the 
ground," was the great offence for which Onan 
was slain. Any further construction of the 
terms is left to the reader. Onanism is, how- 
ever, generally understood (though I consider 
erroneously) as synonymous with self-abuse and 
Masturbation, and hence the term "Onanism" 
has arisen, significant of the act. 

" Self-abuse" is a term not much employed by 
writers, but is in common use throughout the 
community ; and by it, is more clearly, and 
forcibly understood the act to which it is applied ; 
namely, the abuse of one's self, in producing 



28 SPERMATORRHEA. 

ejaculation and seminal emissions by unnatural 
means, manual manoeuvres or manipulations, 
titillation, friction, &c, &c. 

" Masturbation, " by some writers, is applied 
to ejaculations or emissions, produced also by 
unnatural means ; but, by others, synonymous 
with Self-abuse, with reference to certain acts, 
and indulgence in unnatural modes, whereby 
ejaculations and emissions are forcibly produced. 

By V Pollutions" has been formerly understood 
emissions produced through manual manoeuvres, 
and also as applicable to such only — but it is now 
more generally understood to apply to all emis- 
sions occurring from whatever cause, during day 
or night, excited by Abuse, Yenereal excesses, 
Erotic dreams, Lascivious thoughts, immoral 
pictures, toying with females, Spermatic ple- 
thora, irritating causes, &c, &c, with and with- 
out erection. Pollutions, or otherwise Self-pol- 
lutions, is also much employed as synonymous 
with (though improperly) Self-abuse and Mas- 
turbation. 

V Wet-dreams" apply more particularly to pol- 
lutions or emissions occurring through dreams, 
lascivious, erotic, &c, during sleep. 

" Nocturnal emissions" signify those occurring 
at night, and " Diurnal emissions" those occur- 
ring during the day. 



SPERMATORRHEA. 29 

CAUSES, EFFECTS, AND CONSEQUENCES OF 
SPERMATORRHEA. 

Self-abuse, Masturbation, Onanism, and, I 
may add, Self-pollution, being considered and 
employed as identical, are among the most 
prominent and leading causes (though there are 
others which will also be noticed) of Sperma- 
torrhea, Seminal emissions, Impotency, &c. ; 
the consequences and effects of which are not 
confined to any particular class in society, age or 
condition ; but affect the virtuous and licentious, 
the robust, healthy, and strong, as well as the 
sickly and debilitated. Thousands who suffer 
are unsuspected, and it is believed more evils 
are produced through them than all diseases com- 
mon to mankind combined. The vigor of man- 
hood is destroyed, and all the natural, physical, 
and mental powers are more or less impaired, 
even incapacitated thereby. 

Seminal Emissions occurring among persons 
in a healthy condition, because of nature forming, 
supplying, and secreting a superabundance, (also 
inducing Spermatorrhea), has the effect of pro- 
ducing peculiar sensations of a stimulating and 
exciting character, attended with, and creating 
strong desires for its escape. Unless relieved 
by sexual indulgence, nature will relieve herself, 
and being followed with pleasurable feelings, 
3* 



30 SPERMATORRHEA. 

frequently induces in man the unnatural habit of 
Self-abuse or Masturbation, and if uninitiated as 
to any particular mode, he will be sure to resort to 
some method peculiarly his own to effect a repe- 
tition of those feelings. But, woe to that man ! 
the initiatory step taken he may find it difficult 
to retract. Wretchedness, misery, and a pre- 
mature death is often the result. Let man be 
warned against thus indulging, and not give way 
to artificial excitement. Rather, much rather 
take the chances of marriage under any circum- 
stances, or consult some competent Medical 
adviser, before too great frequency of emissions 
occur. 

Seminal Emissions, long continued, from what- 
ever cause, by their frequency exhaust man r s 
vigour, and much impair his Nervous and vital 
energy. Such losses produce general prostra- 
tion of the system, and symptoms similar to a 
variety of diseases ; namely, of the Heart, Liver,- 
Stomach, Rectum, Kidneys, Bladder, Urethra; 
the Dyspepsia, Pneumonia, Nervous derange- 
ment, &c. Many men suffer much and long, 
not suspecting the real cause of their general ill 
health, and their Medical advisers being equally 
unsuspecting, proceed to treat some special con- 
dition most apparent from the existing symptoms, 
whilst the leading cause is unknown and over- 
looked. Thus, man may be temporarily relieved, 
but becomes the almost constant patient of some, 
medical adviser. Wretchedness and disease 
harass him, and premature death takes place, 



SPERMATORRHEA. 31 

without either dreaming of the real or original 
cause. 

That Nervous energy, the mental faculties and 
physical power of man is dependent upon the 
supply or deficiency of healthful semen, (as of 
other secretions), and is impaired by its exces- 
sive losses, and changes to an unhealthy condi- 
tion through Spermatorrhea, in whatever manner 
produced, is evident from the fact, that in all 
cases coming under my notice, as well as that of 
others, there exists more or less disturbance of all 
the functions of the system ; the brain particularly, 
and affecting the memory, vision, hearing, &c. 
I have not only seen youth, but persons at a 
middle age, when unaffected by other influences, 
at a time when man is considered as having 
arrived at the period of fullest health and vigor, 
or in the prime of life, rapidly declining, suffer- 
ing, not only bodily infirmity, but mental imbe- 
cility, eventually becoming idiotic and insane, 
in consequence of it. 

Confirmatory of the same, a few extracts are 
made from several celebrated foreign medical 
authors. 

Boerhaave thus writes : " The loss of too much 
semen occasions lassitudes, debilities, and ren- 
ders exercise difficult ; it causes convulsions, 
emaciation, and pains in the membrane of the 
brain ; it deadens the senses, particularly the 
sight; gives rise to dorsal consumption, indo- 
lence, and various other disorders therewith con- 
nected. Patients in this disease grow stupid. 



32 SPERMATORRHEA. 

I never perceived such loss of power brought on 
by any other cause." 

Lomnius, another ancient author, says, " Fre- 
quent emissions of Semen, relax, weaken, dry, 
enervate the body, and produce numerous other 
evils, as apoplexies, lethargies, epilepsies, tremb- 
ling, paralysis," &c. 

From the same cause, says, Tulpius, a physi- 
cian of Amsterdam, " Not only the Spinal mar- 
row wastes, but the whole body and mind 
becomes languid, and the patient perishes in 
misery." 

From the loss of semen, says Hoffman, "the 
patient not only loses strength, becomes ema- 
ciated and pale, but the memory is impaired, a 
continual sensation of coldness affects all the 
extremities, the sight becomes dim, the voice 
harsh, and the whole body gradually wasted," &c. 

Kloekof briefly says, "A too great loss of 
semen weakens all the solid parts/' &c. 

Next as regards Idiocy and Insanity as re- 
sulting from Spermatorrhea, more particularly 
through Self-abuse, Masturbation, and Onan- 
ism ; in addition to my own observations and 
knowledge, I will adduce further proofs, based 
upon high authorities and facts incontrovertible 
and undeniable. 

It is a fact generally known among Physicians 
and those particularly having opportunities of 
being informed, and of which the public are not 
apprised, that a considerable portion of the in- 
mates of Lunatic or Insane Hospitals and Asy- 



SPERMATORRHEA. 33 

lums, are victims of the baleful and destructive 
influence and effects of Spermatorrhea. 

Professor Woodward, formerly presiding over 
the " Insane Retreat," Connecticut, in a report 
made to the Legislature of that State, remarked, 
that over two-thirds of the inmates of that insti- 
tution were brought there from that cause ; and 
in a Letter says, "For the last four years it has 
fallen to my lot to witness, examine, and mark 
the progress of from ten to twenty-five eases 
daily, who have been the victims of this debasing 
habit ; and I aver that no cause whatever which 
operates upon the human system, prostrates all 
its energies — mental, moral, and physical — to 
an equal extent. I have seen more cases of 
idiocy from this cause alone, than from ail the 
other causes of insanity. If insanity and idiocy 
do not result, other diseases, immediately and 
hopelessly fall in its train, or such a degree of 
imbecility marks its ravages upon body and 
mind, as to destroy the happiness of life, and 
make existence itself wretched and miserable in 
the extreme. " 

In one of the annual reports of the Massa- 
chusetts State Lunatic Asylum, it is stated ; of 
191 idiots examined, and known to have prac- 
tised masturbation, 116 were males and 75 fe- 
males ; in another 139; and in another 145, males 
and females. In Pennsylvania and other States, 
reports not being generally made public, I am 
aware from private information, of as great pro- 
portion of idiotic and insane from similar causes. 



34 SPERMATORRHEA. 

During a period of three years, of 256 patients 
admitted into the asylum of Charenton, from 
Dr. Deslandes' statement, 44 males and 3 females 
were insane from Masturbation or excessive 
sexual indulgence ; Dr. Foville reports 334 cases 
of insanity, 22 men and 9 women, from similar 
causes ; and Professor Rech states the dispro- 
portion of the sexes even greater at the Mont- 
pelier Lunatic Asylum. 

Drs. Deslandes and Esquirol think that the 
proportion as is generally reported between male 
and female is not so great, and that a fair rela- 
tive proportion cannot be had, because of the 
objection females mostly have in giving infor- 
mation, more frequently concealing than males ; 
and Lallemand writes, " So remarkable and con- 
stant a difference cannot arise from any acciden- 
tal cause, for the number of insane females sur- 
passes that of males, " &c. Extracts from a re- 
port presented by Dr. G. S. Howe to the Massa- 
chusetts Senate, in 1848, on the subject of Idiocy, 
for the benefit of youth and mankind, cannot be 
too widely published, and we therefore give them 
place here. 

" There is another vice, a monster so hideous 
in mien, so disgusting in feature, altogether so 
beastly and loathsome, that, in very shame and 
cowardice, it hides its head by day, and vam- 
pyre-like, sucks the very life-blood from its 
victims by night ; and it may perhaps commit 
more direct ravages upon the strength and rea- 



SPERMATORRHEA. 35 

son of those victims than even intemperance; 
and that vice is 

SELF-ABUSE. 

" One would fain be spared the sickening task 
of dealing with this disgusting subject ; but, as 
he who would exterminate the wild beasts that 
ravage his fields, must not fear to enter their 
dark and noisome dens, and drag them out of 
their lair ; so he, who would rid humanity of a 
pest, must not shrink from dragging it from its 
hiding-places, to perish in the light of day. If 
men deified him who delivered Lerna from its 
hydra, and canonized him who rid Ireland of its 
serpents, what should they do for one who could 
extirpate this monster- vice ? What is the ravage 
of fields, the slaughter of flocks, or even the 
poison of serpents, compared with that pollution 
of body and soul, that utter extinction of reason, 
and that degradation of beings, made in God's 
image, to a condition which it would be an in- 
sult to the animals to call beastly, and which is 
so often the consequence of excessive indulgence 
in this vice ? 

" It cannot be that such loathsome wrecks of 
humanity as men and women, reduced to drivel- 
ling idocy by this cause, should be permitted to 
float upon the tide of life, without some useful 
purpose : and the only one we can conceive, is 
that of awful beacons to make others avoid, — as 
they would eschew moral pollution and death, — 
the course which leads to such ruin. 



36 SPERMATORRHEA. 

if This may seem to be extravagant language, 
but there can be no exaggeration, for there can 
be no adequate description even, of the horrible 
condition to which men and women are reduced 
by this practice. There are, among those enu- 
merated in this Report, some who not long ago 
were considered young gentlemen and ladies, but 
who are now moping idiots, idiots of the lowest 
kind ; lost to all reason, — to all moral sense, — 
to all shame ; idiots who have but one thought, 
one w r ish, one passion, — and that is, the further 
indulgence in the habit which has loosed the 
silver cord even in their early youth, which has 
already wasted, as, it were, dissolved the fibrous 
part of their bodies, and utterly extinguished 
their minds. 

" In such extreme cases, there is nothing left 
to appeal to, absolutely less than there is in the 
dogs and horses, — for they may be acted upon 
by fear of punishment ; but these poor creatures 
are beyond all fear and all hope, and they cumber 
the earth a while, living masses of corruption. 

f j If only such lost and helpless wretches ex- 
isted, it would be a duty to cover them charit- 
ably with the veil of concealment, and hide them 
from the public eye, as things too hideous to be 
seen : but, alas ! they are only the most unfor- 
tunate members of a large class. They have 
sunk down into the abyss towards which thou- 
sands are tending. The vice which has shorn 
these poor creatures of the fairest attributes of 
humanity is acting upon others, in a less degree 



SPERMATORRHEA. 3? 

indeed, but still most injuriously ; enervating the 
body, weakening the mind, and polluting the 
soul. 

1 ' A knowledge of the extent to which this 
vice prevails, would astonish and shock many. 
It is, indeed, a pestilence which walketh in dark- 
ness, because, while it saps and weakens all the 
higher qualities of the mind, it so strengthens 
low cunning and deceit, that the victim goes on 
in his habit unsuspected, until he is arrested by 
some one whose practised eye reads his sin in 
the very means which he takes to conceal it — or 
until all sense of shame is forever lost in the 
night of idiocy, with which his day so early 
closes. 

" Many a child who confides everything else 
to a loving parent, conceals this practice in its 
innermost heart. The sons or daughters who 
dutifully, conscientiously, and religiously confess 
themselves to father, mother, or priest, on every 
other subject, never allude to this. Nay, they 
strive to cheat and deceive by false appearances ; 
for, as against this darling sin, — duty, con- 
science, and religion, are all nothing. They 
even think to cheat God, or cheat themselves 
into the belief that He who is of purer eyes than 
to behold iniquity can still regard their sin with 
favor. 

" Many a fond parent looks with wondering 
anxiety upon the puny frame, the feeble purpose, 
the fitful humors of a dear child, and, after try- 
ing all other remedies to restore him to vigor 
4 



3$ SPERMATORRHEA. 

of body and vigor of mind, goes journeying about 
from place to place, hoping to leave the offend- 
ing cause behind, while the victim hugs the dis- 
gusting serpent closely to his bosom, and con- 
ceals it carefully in his vestment. 

M The evils which this sinful habit works in a 
direct and positive manner are not so appreci- 
able, perhaps, as that which it effects in an in- 
direct and negative way. For one victim which 
it leads doivn to the depths of idiocy, there are 
scores and hundreds ivhom it makes shame- 
faced, languid, irresolute, and inefficient for 
any high purpose of life. In this way, the 
evil to individuals and to the community is very 
great. 

" It behooves every parent, especially those 
whose children (of either sex) are obliged to 
board and sleep with other children, whether in 
boarding-schools, boarding-houses, or elsewhere, 
to have a constant and watchful eye over them, 
with a view to this insidious and pernicious 
habit. The symptoms of it are easily learned, 
and, if once seen, should be immediately noticed. 

"Nothing is more false than the common 
doctrine of delicacy and reserve in the treat- 
ment of this habit. All hints, all indirect ad- 
vice, all attempts to cure it by creating diver- 
sions, will generally do nothing but increase the 
cunning with which it is concealed. The way 
is, to throw aside all reserve; to charge the 
offence directly home ; to show up its disgusting 
nature and hideous consequences in glowing 



SPERMATORRHEA. 39 

colors ; to apply the cautery seething hot, and 
press it in to the very quick, unsparingly and 
unceasingly. 

*' Much good has been done, of late years, by 
the publication of cheap books upon this subject, 
They should be put into the hands of all youth 
suspected of the vice. They should be forced 
to attend to the subject. There should be no 
squeamishness about it. 

" There need be no fear of weakening virtue 
by letting it look upon such hideous deformity 
as this vice presents. Virtue is not salt or sugar 
to be softened by such exposure ; but the crystal 
or diamond that repels all foulness from its sur- 
face. Acquaintance with such a vice as this, 
— such acquaintance, that is, as is gained by 
having it held up before the eyes in all its ugli- 
ness, can only serve to make it detested and 
avoided. 

11 Were this the place to show the utter fallacy 
of the notion that harm is done by talking or 
writing to the young about this vice, it could 
probably be done by argument, certainly by the 
relation of pretty extensive experience. This 
experience has shown that, in ninety-nine cases 
in a hundred, the existence of the vice was known 
to the young, but not known in its true de- 
formity ; and that, in the hundredth, the repul- 
sive character in which it was first presented, 
made it certain that no further acquaintance with 
it would be sought. 

"In some families which are degraded by 



40 SPERMATORRHEA. 

drunkenness and vice, there is a degree of com- 
bined ignorance and depravity, which disgraces 
humanity. It is not wonderful that feeble- 
minded children are born in such families ; or, 
being born, that many of them become idiotic. 
Out of this class domestics are sometimes taken 
by those in better circumstances, and they make 
their employers feel the consequences of suffer- 
ing ignorance and vice to exist in the commu- 
nity. There are cases recorded in the appendix, 
where servant-women, who had the charge of 
little girls, deliberately taught them habits of 
self-abuse, in order that they might exhaust 
themselves, and go to sleep quietly ! This has 
happened in private houses, as well as in the 
almshouses ; and such little girls have become 
idiotic. 

1 1 The mind instinctively recoils from giving 
credit to such atrocious guilt ; nevertheless, it is 
there with all its hideous consequences : and no 
hiding of our eyes, no wearing of rose-colored 
spectacles, — nothing but looking at it in its 
naked deformity, will ever enable men to cure 
it. There is no cordon sanilaire for vice ; we 
cannot put it into quarantine, nor shut it up in 
a hospital ; if we allow its existence in our neigh- 
borhood, it poisons the very air which our chil- 
dren breathe. r f. 



SPERMATORRHEA. 41 

MASTURBATION, &C, 

DURING INFANCY AND PUBERTY — ITS EFFECTS 

AND CONSEQUENCES. 

It will scarcely be believed, but it is never- 
theless true, that Infancy is not free from the 
dreadful effects of Masturbation and abuse, not 
by its own hands, but through those of the 
nurse. Some nurses, aware of, or discovering 
that the cries and restlessness of infants may be 
appeased and quieted by handling the genital 
organs, are in the habit of doing so ;. little sus- 
pecting, or ignorant of the consequences which 
sometimes prove fatal from its effects ; or when 
not, initiating them in a mode by which they of 
themselves may induce pleasurable sensations 
afterward. Long before puberty, at three, four, 
or five years of age, there exists among some 
children an instinctive attraction toward the 
opposite sex, which is often observed and 
laughed at by parents and others, without sus- 
picion as to their final tendency. Nurses, 
chambermaids, and others, too often toy with 
such in innocent amusement as they suppose, 
little suspecting the encouragement and in- 
creased desires they are inducing and adding 
to their already instinctive and precocious feel- 
ings. More and more sexual impulses are 
awakened in them, and in their associations with 

others of both sexes, familiarities occur and in- 
4 * 



42 SPERMATORRHEA. 

crease among them, leading to practices followed 
too often with serious consequences. 

HINTS TO PARENTS, &C. 

Watchfulness of children manifesting greater 
attachment to nurses, or other domestics, than 
to their own parents, is recommended strongly ; 
as among them habits are originated as stated 
in the preceding section. 

Particularly do they require and claim the 
attention of Parents, Guardians, &c, when be- 
coming pale, haggard in looks, losing flesh, irri- 
table, having occasional spasms and convulsions, 
falling into marasmus, &c. Too often do those 
conditions indicate effects from abuse, but are 
attributed to worms, teething, or other causes. 
The lives of numerous infants and children might 
be saved, were parents and even physicians equally 
suspicious of causes producing such effects. It 
would lead to proper inquiry, and induce a differ- 
ent course of treatment, frequently resulting in 
entire recovery of many instead of death. 

Several cases have come under my notice, of 
children with symptoms and appearances as be- 
fore described, although other causes had been 
suspected by their parents. Upon questioning 
the nurses very closely, they confessed, and 
discovered what had been done to appease 
the children : by causing these nurses thereafter 
to desist from the practice, and by suggestions 
and recommendations to the parents as to watch- 



SPERMATORRHEA. 43 

fulness and proper nourishment, these chil- 
dren were afterwards restored to healthy con- 
ditions. Drs. Deslandes, Chaussier, and others, 
report similar cases, and Professor Halle men- 
tions them in his Lectures. 

Professor M. Lallemand, having written much 
upon the subject of Spermatorrhea, its causes, 
effects, &c, and, than whom no other author 
stands pre-eminent, I shall make some quota- 
tions from his writings, which will not only con- 
firm what I have already written, but further add 
to the information of the reader. After detail- 
ing the history of numerous cases coming under 
his notice, he says : " I should observe that in 
all the cases of which I have just spoken, the 
children were five or six years of age — at most 
eight — that they did not show signs of puberty 
for several years afterwards, and that they were 
not exposed to the influence of bad example. 
Their sexual ideas were, therefore, spontaneously 
developed, several years before development of 
the genital organs. The same precocity is often 
observed in children of the other sex. 



" From these facts an important scientific con- 
clusion may be adduced: viz., that in many 
children the genital instinct shows itself with 
much energy many years before the age of 
puberty. 

"A no less important practical precaution 
presents itself: viz., that the age of puberty 



44 SPERMATORRHEA. 

should not be waited for, in order to surround 
children with prudent circumspection, and to 
prevent their curiosity from being gratified. 

^ * 5}C * >K 

"The symptoms arising from masturbation in 
the child, have been always hitherto confounded 
with those produced in the adult ; they present 
certain distinctive characters, however, which 
require our consideration. However young they 
may be, children lose flesh and become pale, 
irritable, morose, and passionate ; their sleep is 
short, disturbed and broken. They fall into a 
state of marasm, and at length die if not pre- 
vented from pursuing their courses. Examples 
of such a termination are so well known that I 
forbear to quote them. 

11 Analogous symptoms are shown in the 
adult — follow nearly the same course — and may 
lead to the same termination — but in infancy 
more or less nervous symptoms are superadded, 
which are not found in those who have com- 
menced the practice after puberty, or which at 
least are not in the latter case manifested to the 
same extent. Such are spasms, and partial or 
general convulsions, eclampsia, epilepsy, and 
paralysis, accompanied with contraction of the 
limbs ; these phenomena were present in all the 
children whose cases I have noticed, and numer- 
ous similar facts have been published by different 
authors. 



SPERMATORRHEA. 45 

u In childhood, seminal emissions are never 
experienced, but nevertheless the patients fall 
into a state of marasin to which some even suc- 
cumb. These effects, like those observed under 
the same circumstances in the female, have in- 
duced some authors to leave out of their con- 
sideration the seminal discharges which are pro- 
duced by the same acts at a later period. They 
have attributed the debility which follows all 
abundant discharges of semen, to the nervous 
excitement and convulsive motions which usually 
accompany the discharge. The accidents ob- 
served before puberty are evidently only due to 
the effects on the nervous system, and the same 
sensation accompanying voluntary emissions 
after puberty, it is natural to suppose that the 
nervous system plays as active a part then, as in 
childhood. 

"I have already noticed that the symptoms 
produced by abuses during childhood, present a 
spasmodic character ; this character without 
doubt, is derived from the predominance of the 
nervous system at that period, rendering children 
so alive to external impressions. This excessive 
sensibility also explains the great disorder of 
the economy, which children suffer, from such 
manoeuvres. 

***** 

" Every excessive loss of semen also, even 
vvhen unaccompanied by sensation, is followed 



46 SPERMATORRHEA. 

by debility, and this may be carried so far as to 
cause death. 

" There exists then two distinct causes ; ner- 
vous disturbance and debilitating discharges, 
and both these act at once, when seminal emis- 
sions are produced by the influence of the will. 
It is not to be wondered at, that both these 
causes should produce nearly the same syrup* 
toms, because they both weaken the economy. 
The action of the first on the nervous system is 
direct and immediate, and the symptoms that 
result from it are of a more spasmodic character. 
It is very easy to confound these two causes 
when they act simultaneously ; but I have just 
shown that they can be considered separately. 
The following reason shows the importance of so 
doing. 

"Whenever we succeed in entirely putting a 
stop to the habits of abuse in children, we may 
make sure of obtaining their return to health, 
and that very quickly. This I have remarked 
in all the cases of children that have come under 
my care. I do not mean to infer that the dis- 
order done to nutrition during the progress of 
development is easily repaired, but that the 
acute symptoms rapidly disappear, and that all 
the functions are quickly re-established. If the 
effects' produced are active and serious, they 
cease very rapidly, as soon as the cause is re- 
moved, and return to health becomes certain. 
Unfortunately matters do not follow so simple 
a course after puberty. 



SPERMATORRHEA, 47 

"What I have just said respecting children, 
applies equally to females ; this is easily shown 
by examining the cases in which excision of the 
clitoris has been performed for the cure of nym- 
phomania. The state of these unfortunates 
must have been deplorable indeed, to justify the 
resort to such means ; yet they recovered rapidly. 

" Why in these two classes of cases, is the 
cure certain and the return to health rapid, as 
soon as the vice has been mastered ? It is, that 
the cause of the weakness immediately ceases to 
act on the economy." 



HISTORY, PROGRESS, EFFECTS, &C, 

OF SELF-ABUSE, MASTURBATION, AND ONAN- 
ISM, IN SEVERAL THOUSAND CASES. 

Instead of citing or describing individual 
cases, I shall give in a condensed manner, the 
general character, symptoms, evils, and conse- 
quences of several thousand cases of Spermator- 
rhea, seminal weakness, and emissions, impo- 
tency, &c, the result of Self-abuse, Masturba- 
tion, and other causes, having come under my 
notice and observation during treatment the past 
twenty-seven years; many, on personal applica- 
tion to me, and very many, through correspon- 
dence, resident throughout the United States, 
Canada, and adjoining provinces. 



48 SPERMATORRHEA. 

I adopt this mode of introducing the charac- 
ter of many cases, because of brevity ; certain 
portions of the histories, progress, effects, &c, 
being applicable to one another, confirmed by 
their own representations personally and by let- 
ter, and because it is believed readers will be 
the more assured there are no fanciful sketches 
of the afflicted and unfortunate, as are so often 
falsely pictured in long certificates or letters, 
either anonymous, or with initials and assumed 
names attached, containing misrepresentations 
and exaggerations beyond credulity or belief; 
often written and designed by Foreign and 
Native Quacks, to alarm and frighten, the more 
easily to impose upon the too credulous, unsus- 
pecting, and unthinking. 

Under this head I shall also add some re- 
marks and comments, which, I trust, may be of 
some importance and benefit to all who read 
them. 

The greater number of patients vary in age, 
from fifteen to forty years ; the larger proportion 
between the periods named. They include 
youths at boarding and other schools, factories, 
workshops, and places in cities, towns, and coun- 
try, were they occasionally congregate for amuse- 
ment, &c. ; others more advanced, students in 
seminaries and colleges, or more privately en- 
gaged in professional studies ; overseers, prin- 
cipals, and teachers, the learned and the igno- 
rant, the indolent, inactive, wealthy and retired, 
mostly in celibacy, or without general employ- 



SPERMATORRHEA. 49 

merit of body or mind ; indeed, it would be diffi- 
cult for me to name any capacity or position, 
among whom there cannot be numbered more or 
less, that I have treated for Spermatorrhea and 
other effects of the pernicious habits before 
named — not even excepting females at different 
ages, single and married. 

Notwithstanding thousands have fallen into 
destruction, with a full knowledge of as many 
thousands having fallen before them, yet the 
known dangerous and dreadful consequences of 
Self-abuse, &c, seem to be no barrier to many, 
learned, well informed and apparently possessing 
the strongest, most exalted, and highest qualifi- 
cations of mind, from indulging in practices so 
disgusting and pernicious. 

Numerous detailed and lengthened accounts 
have been, and are daily being received by me 
in letters, as well as statements made me per- 
sonally at my office, of the origin or commence- 
ment of the practice of Self-abuse, Masturba- 
tion, &c. ; the modes instinctive, initiatory, and 
instructive, employed to gratify their feelings 
and curiosities ; the effects from the beginning, 
and progressive- until affecting different functions 
of the system, to the time of writing or applying 
to me ; from all which I shall select such por- 
tions and here give them, as may be deemed of 
importance and interest to all readers, whether 
afflicted and unfortunate, or whether free from 
the "sin of Onan" or other habits, that they 
may be at least informed, and extend the benefit 
5 



50 SPERMATORRHEA. 

of such information to their companions or 
others, where it may be needed, and be instru- 
mental perhaps in saving many from much suf- 
fering, misery, or destruction. 

Many ascribe their habits of Masturbation 
and Self-abuse to association while at play with 
children at or about similar ages, long before 
puberty, through instinctive ideas and familiari- 
ties with one another ; others, through lying with 
brothers or sisters or strange children, and dur- 
ing wakefulness toying with each others genitals, 
tending to arouse pleasurable feelings and sensa- 
tions ; and others through example and persua- 
sion, even by elder associates, shown, taught, 
instructed, and initiated in modes and ways, 
whereby, in their performance, they would expe- 
rience and taste the delusive, seductive sweets 
and peculiar emotions, sensations and pleasures 
to be derived therefrom. (How fatal to thou- 
sands in the end, though ignorant in the begin- 
ning of their baleful and destructive influences !) 

As to the modes and ways employed, I shall not 
name or describe them. To the precocious and instinc- 
tive youth, as well as to numerous others, accident some- 
times reveals them, or they are taught by others ; while 
some adopt means to gratify their feelings and desires, 
peculiarly their own, and original. My object is to dis- 
courage and deter those already guilty of such horrible 
and sinful acts, and who are hurrying themselves to a 
disgraceful, wretched, miserable, and premature fatal 
end, and not to encourage and allure them on. Many 
thousands are already on that road ; it would be criminal 
to point out or describe modes to those who know them 
not; indeed, in doing so, I should consider myself as 
accessory to their ruin or death. 



SPERMATORRHEA. 51 

Many, referring to the history of their cases, 
acknowledge having commenced Masturbation 
several years before puberty, and notwithstand- 
ing a consciousness of its effects, observing their 
growing weakness and loss of strength, changed 
complexion, from healthy to a pale or sallow 
hue, loss of flesh, weakness of their joints, nerv- 
ousness, headache, &c, yet could not, though 
frequently resolved to do so, abandon entirely 
the practice. Many say they were induced to 
continue, because of a change, described by com- 
panions, from puberty to manhood ; when the 
ejaculation of semen should take place, and the 
event be hailed with joy and pride, stepping as 
it were (under a falsely conceived idea) out of 
childhood into manhood, and that their gratifi- 
cations and pleasures would then also be much 
increased ; in consequence of all which they 
would be stimulated to greater excesses, and 
consequently do themselves greater injury. 

Here readers, if guilty, be advised. Stay your sinful 
career. At the time when ejaculation of semen first 
occurs, your strongest resolutions and determination to 
desist is demanded. If you have regard for, or attach 
any value to your future health and happiness, now is 
the time to show it. If you value the respect, sympa- 
thies and feelings of your parents, brothers, or sisters — 
desist ! If you desire to mingle in the society of friends 
or strangers %f both sexes without shame or mortifica- 
tion — desist ! If you ever anticipate entering into matri- 
mony — desist ! If you desire to participate in rational 
pleasures of whatsoever kind, and enjoy or appreciate 
the beauties of nature so lavishly bestowed and displayed 



52 SPERMATORRHEA. 

around you by a kind Providence — desist ! By all that 
is sacred and dear to you in this world, now, at this 
critical time or period, should you desist, for there still 
remains sufficient of reason, nervous and physical force, 
to do so if you will ; — if you will not, but on the con- 
trary persist in your course, and without advice or treat- 
ment, certain destruction must follow. 

Where involuntary emissions have not occurred, and 
they do not until after a continuance of abuse for some 
time after the period above referred to, recovery and 
restoration is certain. Recovery is not, however, uncer- 
tain afterward; but is attended with tediousness and 
longer time in treatment ; and the chances are more or 
less in proportion to the frequency, quantity, and charac- 
ter of the discharges, and the natural, physical, nervous, 
and constitutional power or organization of individuals. 
But so long as Spermatorrheal discharges continue, the 
chances are lessened and the patient goes on from 
worse to worse. 

Pause, therefore, before 'tis too late — fail not to re- 
solve at the moment, or soon after ejaculation of semen 
first occurs, to desist; for there is certainty then. If 
the warning be unheeded you may involve your future 
fate in uncertainty. To aid you at this time too, it will 
be well to observe some general instructions or advice 
in another portion of this book, or consult some compe- 
tent and experienced physician. The most diffident and 
timid may confidentially address Dr. Leidy, and rely 
upon friendly and honourable advice. Correspondence 
by mail, or otherwise, can always be managed to avoid 
the possibility of exposure or the knowledge of any one. 

JUiP 01 (A reasonable fee must not, however, be for- 
gotten, to be enclosed when writing; and there are few 
but are capable of judging to a certain extent as to what 
is reasonable, when taking into consideration, trouble 
and time in writing — giving written advice and instruc- 
tion, furnishing and sending medicines — and consider- 
ing also their disease, situation, or condition, of short or 
long standing, &c). 



SPERMATORRHEA. 53 

Continuing with Self-abuse or Masturbation, 
its progress, effects, &c, many further represent 
— that after ejaculation of semen occurs, and 
habits or practices are continued, nocturnal 
emissions follow, with and without lascivious and 
erotic dreams ; sometimes once in two or three 
weeks ; once, twice, and three times a week — 
sometimes nightly ; and with many they occur 
irregularly and at long intervals, generally fol- 
lowed by palpitation of the heart, nervousness, 
weakness, and low spirits for a day or more 
after; and, with many, those feelings constant. 
Others, having an escape of semen before and 
after urinating, or passing with the urine ; some- 
times during stools, particularly when straining, 
through costiveness, hardened faeces, &c. ; some- 
times taking place unconsciously during night — 
observed in the morning upon the night clothes 
or bed linen. With others the discharges or 
emissions had changed ; become viscid, opaque, 
and of a muddy appearance, accompanied by a 
peculiar odor or smell, and passing off day and 
night, with and without erections, increasing in 
frequency and quantity, without the power of 
restraining them. (ISIP* Discharges of this 
character are what I would strictly call ' ' pollu- 
tions;" though, by many, the term is differently 
applied, even synonymously with Masturbation or 
Self-abuse). At this stage many represent, dis- 
gust and horror takes the place of the pleasur- 
able sensations before experienced ; they become 
alarmed, and, notwithstanding their resolutions 
5 * 



54 SPERMATORRHEA. 

to abandon their habits, they seem almost irre- 
sistible and impossible ; when abandoned, even for 
a short period, many describe their misery and suf- 
ferings as scarcely to be conceived or imagined ; 
felt only by themselves and known to them only, 
and those to whom they apply for relief, who, 
from experience and observation, are sensible of 
their feelings and situations. 

Now it is that thousands turn back and think of their 
past follies and indiscretions, and regret they had not 
profited by the timely warnings they had, in the gradual 
and perceptible injury their bodies were sustaining, and 
in their declining health ; and besides their injurious ten- 
dencies, learned from reading — the advice of some kind 
friends, parents, guardians, &c. Alas ! reflection is 
^•equently in vain, often too late. Still there is some hope 
left; but how few, however, even conscious of their 
situations at this stage, fully sensible of the rapid change 
going on throughout their whole system, benefit by re- 
flection — indulgence in their unnatural and filthy pro- 
pensities seems to overcome all resolution or determina- 
tion to abandon their practices, and, if possible, recu- 
perate themselves. The wretched infatuation predomi- 
nates, and prevails against reason — all power over the 
passions seems lost — the victim loses all pleasure in 
society — avoids the company of members of his family 
and most intimate friends — the sight of his own sisters, 
mother, or other females overwhelm him with shame, 
mortification, and remorse — he is disgusted with him- 
self — finds no comfort or consolation in anything — 
though pleasures and enjoyments to others surround 
him, there is none in which he can feel an interest or 
participate — it is now that he feels isolated in existence 
— he shuns the world, and fancies all shun him — his 
mind and body become more and more enfeebled, and 
lose their power — intellect becomes dull and partially 



SPERMATORRHEA. 55 

suspended, bordering on a state of lunacy; which con- 
tinuing, sooner or later plunges him into destruction, or 
a condition from which he can never recover — many, 
before being entirely deprived of reason, contemplate 
suicide ; but few commit it, because of a cowardly and 
innate feeling of intimidation, imagining or picturing to 
themselves their probable fates in the future, and there- 
fore they continue in a life of torment and misery until 
death. 

Having, in the foregoing, more particularly 
given the history and progress from the com- 
mencement of Self-abuse, Masturbation, &c, 
which produce peculiar results, I will now proceed 
to the effects or consequences as variously de- 
scribed by patients, and which are also peculi- 
arly characteristic and confirmatory of what has 
been written by others, as well as by my own 
observations. 

In many instances, for a few years they enjoy 
a good appetite, the bowels are regular, they sleep 
and rest well at night ; maintain a healthy colour 
and are of robust appearance — but often have 
flushes of heat and unusual redness of the face. 
Occasionally giddiness and faintness, heavy and 
oppressed feelings of the head or brain are expe- 
rienced, and some nervousness and palpitation 
of the heart ; but only following indulgence in 
Masturbation, and subsiding after a time. Many 
are afflicted with partial impotence, having in- 
complete erections, and unable to cohabit with 
the opposite sex with satisfaction or gratifica- 
tion; frequently wholly impotent and incapable 
of erections at all, by any means that may be em- 



§6 SPERMATORRHEA. 

ployed; the penis shrunken and mnch shrivelled 
from what it was, and the urine passing slow, 
sluggish, and without natural force ; the scro- 
tum, or bag, enlarged, flabby, and hanging 
loosely, with the appearance upon feeling as if 
filled with bunches of worms ; or one testicle 
hanging much below the other, the bag much 
elongated on one side in consequence, and some- 
times one or both testicles having disappeared, 
having escaped from their natural situation alto- 
gether. 

Prostration and debility are experienced by 
many in proportion to the extent of their indul- 
gences, frequency, and profusion of emissions or 
pollutions ; gradual wasting of the flesh and loss 
of strength ; complexions are pale, livid and 
sallow ; the whole contour of the face is changed ; 
skin shrivelled ; cheeks hollow ; eyes sunken, with 
a ghastly, vacant look and expression ; blotches 
and pimples, dry, scaly, watery, or containing 
yellowish matter, or a small worm ; covering the 
face, forehead, and portions of the body ; tremb- 
ling of the hands; weakness of the knees and 
other joints ; contractions of the muscles and 
limbs, affect many. With others the appetite is 
variable ; bowels irregular ; have a disgust or 
fancy to certain food or drinks ; voice changes, 
from being clear and distinct, becoming low, 
husky, and inclined to stammering ; hearing is 
dull, with various noises through the head ; 
memory defective, remembering only incidents 
or circumstances having occurred within a short 



SPERMATORRHEA. 5T 

time ; the eyes are dull and vision dimmed ; 
sleep light, broken, disturbed by dreams; rest- 
less and cannot sleep ; or if falling into a doze, 
startled through nervous and spasmodic action ; 
lying awake without inclination to sleep, and 
the mind absorbed with sad and horrible thoughts 
or forebodings ; palpitation of the heart, almost 
constant, and much increased through fatigue, 
sudden alarm, or excitement ; nervousness at all 
times, and increasing, affecting the mind, eventu- 
ally the brain, so much so as to produce occasional 
vertigo, syncope, spasms or convulsions, epi- 
lepsy, &c. 

In addition to the effects, as before described, 
there are many patients who describe feelings 
peculiar to each one's self, which may be more 
easily imagined, when, without regard to cir- 
cumstances, whether poor or wealthy, they would 
freely give all they possessed if they could be 
restored to full, natural vigor and capacity of 
manhood — having indulged to some extent in 
Masturbation, both before and after puberty, 
still possessing natural feelings toward the oppo- 
site sex, mingling and associating with females 
with fondness and pleasure ; not having been 
conscious of their ability or power to cohabit 
with them until too late, forming attachments, 
and without reflection, proposed, or entered into 
matrimony. 

Instances of the following are frequent. An 
early day is fixed for marriage ; in the mean- 
time circumstances transpire convincing the in- 



58 SPERMATORRHEA. 

tended husband he is incapable of performing 
marital rights so soon. At his request a future 
time is determined upon, relying upon restora- 
tion through nature and abandonment of his 
habits. The second appointed time arrives, 
and he finds himself still incapable. A third 
period is fixed upon, intending to try some ad- 
vertised nostrums, or seek medical advice ; he 
tries the former, but in vain; he next, without 
making proper inquiry to find out a competent 
physician, becomes the victim of some Quack 
Doctor or Impostor, and his condition made no 
better, perhaps worse ; at last the third ap- 
pointed day arrives, but not with it the realiza- 
tions of connubial happiness. He neither ap- 
prizes the expectant bride previously, nor pre- 
sents himself at the appointed time, because of 
fear, shame, and mortification. The engage- 
ment is broken off for reasons unknown, untold, 
and mysterious to the intended bride, her family 
and others. Another, unconscious of his weak- 
ness or inability, fulfils his promised vow, soon 
to become sensible of his own condition, and is 
not only made miserable himself in consequence, 
but his unsuspecting and confiding partner is 
plunged into misery and unhappiness also. For 
a time her feelings, almost indescribable, are 
suppressed, but eventually bursting with indigna- 
tion, mortification, disappointment and wounded 
pride, she either flies to her once happy home, or, 
filled with horror and disgust at making known 
the existing state of things to her family or 



SPERMATORRHEA. 59 

friends, becomes the victim of some artful seducer. 
For this the world, perhaps, would condemn her ; 
but how deplorable and pitiable her situation ; 
her own husband the destroyer of her peace and 
happiness — the author or cause of her guilt and 
shame. 

Readers ! if any of you are inclined to matrimony, 
ponder well and be certain of your abilities before you 
enter into it. Awful is the position of either sex under 
circumstances just narrated. None are excusable, if 
from effects of Masturbation, or from any other cause 
whatever, (and there are many among both sexes) they 
are incompetent in forming matrimonial alliances. If 
aware of any impediments which may be remedied, see 
they are removed before even proposing marriage. 
Much suspense, anxiety, mortification, and disappoint- 
ment, besides indescribable suffering, will be prevented. 
Better, far better live a life of celibacy, than a connubial 
life in misery and unhappiness. Dr. N. B. Leicly can 
always be consulted in such cases, either through cor- 
respondence or privately, at his Office, with the most 
implicit confidence and secresy; and many be saved 
months, years, or a life-time of misery, not only of them- 
selves, but from involving others also. 



VENEREAL EXCESSES. 

Another prominent cause of Spermatorrhea, 
is the too frequent indulgence in sexual inter- 
course, usually termed " Venereal Excesses/' 
whether from natural impulses of the passions, 
or for certain reasons cohabiting when not de- 
4 



60 SPERMATORRHEA. 

manded by the passions, but urged through 
morbid desires, excitement, or extraordinary 
stimulus. Lallemand expresses himself so intel- 
ligibly in reference to the passions of either sex, 
and describes so clearly the symptoms of Sper- 
matorrhea as more particularly consequent upon 
such excesses, that I am induced to quote a 
few sections from his writings. 

(i Man feels a desire for the esteem of his fel- 
low creatures, and particularly that of the female, 
whose protector he naturally is. It is in her 
society that he is proud of his physical force, 
of his intellectual superiority, of his social posi- 
tion, &c. ; but above all things he is anxious to 
prove to her his possession of the virile power ; 
and those men who are the worse provided in 
this respect, are often the very ones who are 
most fearful of allowing their feebleness to 
appear. 

This tendency to vanity is still further excited 
by that which predominates in the female under 
another form ; she sees, in fact, that these re- 
peated acts prove most incontestably a violent 
passion ; the most satisfactory proof of the power 
of her charms. She is too proud of it not to 
respond by every means in her power; these 
mutual feelings, both the offspring of vanity, 
excite one another, and then produce reciprocal 
demonstrations, which are not based on real 
wants, and which do not proceed from true 
passion. 

Young married persons who have given them- 



SPERMATORRHEA. 61 

selves up without regard to consequences, to the 
impetuosity of their temperament, feel compelled 
to support the same system as that on which 
they commenced ; they are fearful lest coldness 
and Vinconduite be suspected, and they come to 
regret their first imprudence, for their at present 
irritated organs are no longer in that physiologi- 
cal state which has enabled them for a time to 
support everything. 

If I may judge from the details into which 
some of my patients have entered, venereal ex- 
cesses have been produced more frequently at 
the instigation of misconstrued amour propre 
than by the entrainment of true love." 

Symptoms. — V Let us suppose that the organs 
are sound, but exposed to the acts more fre- 
quently than the real wants of the individual re- 
quire. These excesses will be the better sup- 
ported in proportion as they are the first, or as 
they have not been preceded by any inflamma- 
tion or irritation of the sexual organs, and as 
the tissues are in a complete state of integrity. 
It is thus, in like manner, that we must compre- 
hend the reputation of novices, for absolute 
inaction does not fortify the generative system 
any more than does the contrary ; they are only 
the more susceptible in proportion as they have 
been more frequently affected. 

Provided these excesses are carried further, 

or that they last long, the excitement augments, 

and the first symptoms of irritation manifest 

themselves. Heat in the canal commences, par- 

6 



62 SPERMATORRHEA, 

ticularly during the act of making water ; the 
urine is more abundant than usual, and the de- 
sire to pass it more frequent, accompanied with 
a tickling which is sometimes agreeable ; the 
meatus is more injected than usual, and the in- 
tensity of pleasure is diminished. 

At a latter period dysuria comes on, occa- 
sionally attended with hematuria ; ejaculation 
takes place with a rapidity that goes on increas- 
ing ; the semen sometimes contains streaks of 
blood, at other times it is altogether bloody. The 
irritation extends to the prostate, or the margin 
of the anus, and a feeling of weight is felt in the 
perineum and rectum, accompanied with a spas- 
modic constriction of the sphincters which pro- 
duces constipation. The spermatic cords and 
the testicles become painful and sensitive to the 
least pressure ; they require the support of a 
suspensory bandage. ?? 

From venereal excesses, when long continued, 
the general health suffers ; consequences similar 
to some extent, follow as results from self-abuse 
or Masturbation ; namely, prostration, nervous- 
ness, impotence, the same repugnance to em- 
ployment, exercise, and society, &c. The com- 
pany of females is particularly avoided, because 
though possessed of natural desires, disposition 
or inclinations to indulge, yet are incapacitated 
from contributing to, or participating in former 
mutual or reciprocal pleasures, or gratifications 
with the opposite sex. Erections become less 
complete, the semen scanty, and changing to a 



SPERMATORRHEA. 63 

thin, watery, or semi-transparent fluid, incapa- 
ble of fecundation. Notwithstanding such con- 
ditions may be the cause of much regret, shame, 
and mortification, yet the consequences, ment- 
ally and physically, from venereal excesses, are 
not so serious as from Masturbation, &c. ; the 
effects produced are also much mitigated, or 
alleviated through active occupation and exer- 
cise, whilst they are proportionally exaggerated 
and increased through indolence, and inactivity. 



SEMINAL EMISSION'S. 

Seminal emissions from other causes than 
the preceding- often occur, and from their fre- 
quency inducing Spermatorrhea, attended or 
followed with disagreeable and unpleasant con- 
sequences ; but partial, in comparison to those 
generally resulting from Masturbation, Self- 
abuse, or Yenereal Excesses. 

With many the generative organs are natur- 
ally delicate, sensitive, and susceptible ; and par- 
ticularly with persons of strong passions or 
desires ; aided by their imaginations or thoughts, 
erections are incited, pleasurable sensations are 
felt, and ejaculation soon follows. With such 
emissions will occur, when riding on horseback, 
through bouncing upon the pommel of the sad- 
dle ; — also, from being in company with lively, 
prepossessing, or attractive females, and fond- 



64 SPERMATORRHEA. 

ling or toying with them ; — also from sleeping 
in beds upon feathers, or otherwise too soft and 
warm, or lying upon the back or belly ; — also 
from looking at lascivious pictures, and from 
reading lascivious and imaginative works, &c. 

Seminal emissions occurring from these causes, 
being most common in a majority of instances to 
persons of delicate constitutions, weakness of 
the physical energies uf the body, and of the 
generative organs, they may be invigorated and 
a more healthful and natural condition produced 
by means hereafter recommended ; or through 
the advice, instructions, and aid of competent 
medical counsel, which should be preferred if 
circumstances will admit. 

Among those referred to in the preceding sec- 
tions, are too often found those, who, after en- 
tering into matrimony (having up to that period 
remained continent, abstained previously from 
sexual intercourse through ideas of virtue and 
morality, modesty or diffidence, indifference or 
want of more sensual feelings, or from other 
causes) sooner or later, discover their inability 
or weakness; having been ignorant or uncon- 
scious of it before. 

There are also direct causes, which, through 
annoyance, irritation, and stimulus, produce 
erections, ejaculations or emissions, injurious, 
and from their frequency and long continuance 
induce Spermatorrhea. Among them are the 
following : — 



SPERMATORRHEA. 65 

Ascarides or Seatworms, located around 
the margin of the anus or seat, and sometimes 
immediately within ; more particularly common 
among children, and are exceedingly annoying. 

Hemorrhoids or Piles, and Diseases of the 
Rectum, which are not only annoying but very 
distressing at times. 

Cutaneous Eruptions around the anus, some- 
times discharging an ichorous fluid, which, run- 
ning or spreading over the surface of the sur- 
rounding parts, the perineum, inside the thighs, 
scrotum, or bag, &c, produces almost insup- 
portable itching and irritation. 

Offensive Secretions, sebaceous or cheese- 
like, between the glans (head) or neck of glans 
penis and prepuce (the loose foreskin covering 
the head and neck of the penis) ; which, be- 
coming acrid, excoriates the parts, or are covered 
with small red patches, purple spots or pimples, 
and causing a pricking and itching of the sur- 
face, exceedingly disagreeable. 

Contracted Prepuce, or foreskin ; where ter- 
minating in a very small pouty opening, barely 
admitting the escape of the urine, entirely cover- 
ing the head of the penis, and in consequence 
of the impossibility of drawing it fyack or over, 
preventing cleanliness, resulting in increased 
irritation underneath, from sebaceous secretions, 
and becoming purulent and offensive to the 
smell. 

6* 



66 SPERMATORRHEA. 

Elongated or Exuberant Prepuce, extend- 
ing beyond and at all times covering the head 
of the penis, and although capable of being 
drawn backward, and exposing the head and 
neck of the penis, yet through ignorance, indif- 
ference and neglect to cleanliness, resulting in as 
much evil as from contracted prepuce. 

To the foregoing may be added, as exciting 
causes of emissions, &c, inducing Spermator- 
rhea, strictures, costiveness, stimulating liquors, 
long sickness, action of certain medicines, dis- 
eases or malformation of the urinary and geni- 
tal organs, pruriginous or itching eruptions and 
pimples, or small pustules about the genitals, &c. 

The foregoing causes denominated direct, 
described as annoying, distressing, &c, do not 
generally produce serious consequences, and 
seldom confirmed or established Spermatorrhea 
They, nevertheless, produce much unpleasant- 
ness and disturbance of the whole system, and 
should be prevented or checked early as possible ; 
means for effecting which will suggest them- 
selves, or are generally known to persons of 
mature years ; and existing among children are 
generally known to parents or nurses. In cases, 
however, of a narrow, contracted prepuce, or 
elongated and exuberant, the assistance of the 
physician or surgeon is required, as the use of a 
proper instrument is necessary in the former to 
slit up the prepuce or foreskin, and in the latter 
to remove the exuberance of it ; so in cases of 
mal-formation and stricture is there the same 



SPERMATORRHEA. 67 

necessity for professional aid. In fact it would 
be most advisable at all times to seek competent 
medical aid or advice, as tampering and experi- 
menting with various means or modes of treat- 
ment, in accordance with the ideas, judgments, 
and' views entertained by many, or the recom- 
mendations of others, or with boasted nostrums 
and specifics, much serious mischief results, be- 
sides loss of time, increase of suffering, cost, &c. 

Whilst on the subject of Seminal Emissions, 
I will add a few remarks (that I deem worthy 
of place here) of Dr. Carpenter, and an anony- 
mous writer, which, though somewhat peculiar, 
are nevertheless in accordance with my own ideas 
and observations. 

" The sexual secretions themselves are strongly 
influenced by the condition of the mind. When 
it is frequently and strongly directed toward 
objects of passion, these secretions are increased 
in amount to a degree which may cause them to 
be a very injurious drain on the powers of the 
system. On the other hand, the entire employ- 
ment of the mental powers on other subjects, has 
a tendency to render less active, or even to check 
altogether the processes by which they are ela- 
borated. This is a simple physiological fact, 
but of high moral application. The author 
would say to those of his younger readers, who 
urge the wants of nature as an excuse for the 
illicit gratification of the sexual passion — try 
the effects of close mental application to some 
of those ennobling pursuits to which your pro- 



68 SPERMATORRHEA. 

fession introduces you, in combination with 
vigorous bodily exercise, before you assert that 
the appetite is unrestrainable and act upon that 
assertion. Nothing tends so much to increase 
the desire, as the continued direction of the mind 
towards the objects of its gratification. 

"When the appetite is naturally indulged, 
that is, in marriage, the necessary energy is 
supplied by the nervous stimulus of its natural 
accompaniment of love before referred to, which 
prevents the injury which would otherwise arise 
from the increased expenditure of animal power ; 
and in like manner also, the function being in 
itself grateful, this personal attachment performs 
the further necessary office of preventing im- 
moderate indulgences, by dividing the attention 
through the other sources of sympathy and en- 
joyment which it simultaneously opens to the 
mind. But when the appetite is irregularly 
indulged, that is in fornication, for want of the 
healthful vigor of true love, its energies become 
exhausted ; and from the want of the numerous 
other sympathetic sources of enjoyment in true 
love, in similar thoughts, common pursuits, and, 
above all, in common holy hopes, the mere 
gross animal gratification of lust is resorted to 
with unnatural frequency, and thus its powers 
become still further exhausted, and therefore 
still more unsatisfactory ; while at the same time 
a habit is thus created, and these jointly cause 
&nd increase craving ; and the still greater defi- 
ciency, in the satisfaction experienced in its in- 



SPERMATORRHEA. 69 

diligence, further, continually — consequent ex- 
haustion — till the mind and body alike become 
disorganized." 



TREATMENT OF SPERMATORRHEA. 

It is impossible to detail fully the treatment 
necessary in each individual case of Spermator- 
rhea, or where suffering otherwise from the effects 
of Masturbation, Self-abuse, &c. ; because occur- 
ring and existing among both sexes at all ages, 
and because of the difference in constitutional 
powers, physical energies, and conditions of 
patients. Neither would it be possible in so 
small a work as this, as would be required in so 
great a variety of cases, with reference more 
particularly to the extent of injury or mischief 
resulting from such pernicious habits, the modes 
of indulgence, their continuance and repetition 
for shorter or longer periods, &c. I shall, 
therefore, recommend general treatment, and 
give such advice and instructions as will be 
appropriate to many, and, to a certain extent, 
adapted to most cases. 

It is of much importance that, at all times, 
causes of existing conditions should be ascer- 
tained, necessary to the proper treatment of 
patients. Thus, among infants, suffering from 
effects described in preceding pages, by causing 
nurses to desist from practices they resort to, 



70 SPERMATORRHEA. 

and through watchfulness, care, and proper 
nourishment, many would be restored to health, 
when, through ignorance of causes and conse- 
quently misdirected treatment, they might con- 
tinue to suffer much and long, perhaps die 
before causes became manifest. 

Infants and small children detected in toying 
with their genitals, should be prevented through 
watchfulness, muffling their hands, or made to 
wear a straight waistcoat for a considerable 
time, when the habit will frequently be forgotten 
by them. 

When indifference to learn or study is ob- 
served among children, or there is apparent 
difficulty in making them understand while being 
taught, or forgetting in a very short time what 
was previously learned, or are less lively and 
active than usual, or are becoming of delicate 
and sickly appearance, complexion changing, 
&c, — the suspicion of parents, guardians, and 
instructors, (as well as physicians also, if ap- 
plied to) should be aroused, and, if possible, it 
should be ascertained if they indulge in perni- 
cious habits. If so, instead of attributing their 
conditions to other supposed causes and pre- 
scribing for such, or experimenting with quack 
nostrums or other vile compounds, for weeks, 
months, or years, adding, as it were, " fuel to 
fire," they should be rationally, and in a mild 
and feeling manner, conversed with, and made 
acquainted with the serious consequences result- 
ing from those habits, and thus intimidated 



SPERMATORRHEA. 71 

and induced to abandon them ; as well as bring 
them to a feeling or sense of shame, horror and 
disgust, at their continuance. 

Opportunities should be allowed them to in- 
dulge in a variety of amusements, gymnastic and 
other exercises ; and they should not be restrained 
or confined too closely, but allowed full enjoyment 
in the open air, and furnished at all times with 
wholesome, nutritious food. Heavy tasks to 
study, if going to school, should not be imposed 
upon them, or be strongly urged to learn. They 
should be closely watched, and not permitted to 
congregate at hidden or by-places, thus baffling 
them from opportunities to practise such habits ; 
and their minds should be kept employed in 
various ways, in conversation, reading interest- 
ing books, innocent, rational, and instructive 
games, &c. , that their thoughts may be directed 
as much as possible from them. Early rising 
should be encouraged, and they should not be 
permitted to lie awake in their beds in the 
mornings, toying and playing with each other. 

The continuance of Masturbation and Self- 
abuse, among children, increases in proportion 
its evil effects upon the health — seriously affect- 
ing the intellectual functions, physical energies, 
and the whole system ; which is not to be re- 
gained always by the aid of medicines alone, 
though often necessary and useful, prescribed or 
administered by some competent person. Gene- 
rally they may be restored through positive 
abandonment of the filthy practices, and where 



72 S P E R M A T QlR R H E A . 

not voluntary, they should be made or caused 
to abandon them through watchfulness, reason- 
ing, information, and attention to their wants, 
nourishment, comforts, &c, as recommended in 
preceding sections ; to the neglect of which thou- 
sands of youth are, and have been, indebted for 
not advancing toward, or arriving at, positions 
of eminence and distinction. 

At and after puberty, ejaculations, with semi- 
nal emissions taking place, more rigid recom- 
mendations become necessary, and medicinal 
agents are generally required. Persons having 
nocturnal emissions, once, twice, three times or 
more a week, should abstain from late suppers ; 
be regular in meals, partaking only of whole- 
some and nutritious food ; avoiding malt drinks, 
tobacco in any shape, and coffee ; vinous or 
spirituous liquors should be indulged in, only 
when required after much prostration or fatigue ; 
which, however, should be as much avoided as 
possible, as fatigue is hurtful. Lying upon 
spring or hair mattrasses is recommended instead 
of feather or soft downy beds. Douching the geni- 
tal organs with cold water for a few minutes, at 
night before retiring and in the morning after 
rising, will sometimes be found beneficial. Shower- 
baths, cold and salt-water bathing are also useful, 
particularly in cases not too much debilitated. 
Whatever tends to excite the passions should be 
avoided ; such as reading obscene or lascivious 
books ; works of fiction, particularly where the 
opposite sex are represented in their most en- 



SPERMATORRHEA. IS 

tiring, charming, and fascinating characters ; 
immoral and lascivious paintings, or pictures, 
should not be looked upon, or aught else in- 
dulged in, calculated, with the aid of thought 
or imagination, to cause excitement of the pas- 
sions, as often intro-mission will occur, followed 
with exhaustion of animal power, and as injurious 
to a certain extent as emissions produced in more 
unnatural ways, or through erotic dreams, &c. 

From their frequency, however caused, the 
general health suffers, and it is all important to 
those suffering that they should seek assistance 
early, that they may be restored to a more 
vigorous and healthy condition in approaching 
maturity ; as, after maturity, treatment becomes 
more tedious, troublesome, and requiring much 
longer time; besides obstacles then existing 
which do not in earlier life. 

As among different patients, different organs 
are affected, and some to a much greater extent 
than others, much discretion is required in their 
treatment. Among the general remedies em- 
ployed, but which I have found mostly ineffec- 
tual, are, Bearberry leaf tea with super-carbo- 
nate of soda ; different preparations of iron ; 
sulphur, ferruginous, and other mineral waters ; 
vegetable tonics, such as gentian, Colombo, 
quassia, &c. ; camphor, tar water, turpentine, 
and copaiba ; opiates at night, &c. &c. Besides 
the uncertainty of effect of many medicines, they 
become repugnant to patients ; and frequently, 
because injudiciously employed, are productive 
7 



74 SPERMATORRHEA. 

of little or no good, and ofttimes injurious. Of 
the numerous medicines that have been hereto- 
fore, and still are employed by the profession 
(as well as empirically in nostrums and specifics), 
because of their uncertainty and inefficacy, I 
have discarded most of them long since from use 
in ray practice. For many years I have em- 
ployed several preparations of my own, adapted 
to the several periods in life, and at which cer- 
tain conditions mostly exist, with great and un- 
paralleled success; and, that patients may be 
the more certain in obtaining such at all times as 
will be most appropriate and adapted to their 
cases, when addressing me, they should particu- 
larize their conditions as nearly as possible, in 
which they will be aided by numerous questions 
asked in the latter portion of this book. By 
thus particularizing also, there are frequently 
some peculiar and unusual conditions existing, 
though thought of little importance by many, 
requiring special treatment or advice, and which 
should not be neglected ; they will also receive 
my attention, and patients may feel the more 
assured of additional benefit and certain restora- 
tion to more natural and healthy conditions. 
The preparations referred to are composed of 
articles imported by me from the East Indies, and 
are not to be procured from Druggists or others 
throughout the United States. Their use does 
not interfere with the habits, living, or occupa- 
tion of any one, nor requires any restraint for 
fear of exposure to wet or cold. In fact they 



SPERMATORRHEA. 15 

are of an invigorating, exhilarating, and whole- 
some character — possessing properties different 
from other preparations — by their combined 
effects and influences assisting and supporting 
nature — allaying nervousness — overcoming agi- 
tation and anxiety of the mind, depression of 
the spirits, and melancholy — giving tone to the 
animal functions, producing a more healthful 
and vigorous condition of them, and establishing, 
in man or woman, that confidence so necessary to 
their happiness and enjoyment. They can be 
sent by mail or otherwise, as may be directed, 
to all parts, accompanied with proper directions, 
instructions, and advice, adapted to each indi- 
vidual applying, according to the nature, charac- 
ter, and condition of his or her case. 

In a few instances there may be a necessity for 
instruments, cauterization, or other operation ; 
but so very seldom, that, when required, they 
should be under the personal attention and 
management of a competent physician ; and 
therefore it would be useless here to describe 
either instruments or operations, because it will 
be of no practical utility or benefit to patients, 
and will occupy space which can be devoted more 
benefically to the great mass of the afflicted and 
unfortunate. 

Marriage is sometimes resorted to as a reme- 
dy ; seldom, however, with beneficial results, 
unless where Masturbation had not been prac- 
tised to an injurious extent, and where no seri- 
ous consequences, as has been before described, 



76 SPERMATORRHEA. 

had as yet resulted from Spermatorrhea. Where 
even a doubt, however, exists as to circumstances 
justifying marriage, parents or advisers should 
be extremely cautious in recommending it as a 
remedy ; and, although the most moral course that 
might be deemed advisable, yet, in the language 
of the Professor of Montpelier, (which should be 
particularly regarded), " What has the young 
girl, who is thus sacrificed to this egotistical cal- 
culation, done, that she should be condemned 
to the existence that awaits her ? Who has the 
right to regard her as a therapeutic agent, and 
thus lightly to stake her future prospects, her 
repose, and the happiness of the remainder of 
her life ?» 

"It is precisely because marriage is the most 
sacred bond for individuals, as well as the most 
important for society — it is because an iron law 
renders it indissoluble — that it is rational, as 
well as moral, not to contract it without having 
the certainty that it is proper." 

The force and justice of the foregoing brief 
extracts, laying aside all other considerations, 
should be sufficient to deter all parties from 
forming, contracting, or entering into ill-assorted 
matches under the circumstances referred to, 
when known or suspected, without some con- 
sultation or assurance justifying them, made 
doubly sure through competent and experienced 
advisers. 






SPERMATORRHEA, 17 

MASTURBATION, SELF-ABUSE, &C, 
IN THE FEMALE. 

Having in the preceding pages depicted and 
described the deplorable consequences, more 
particularly to the male sex, of indulgence in 
masturbation, I cannot leave the subject without 
some brief remarks, important hints, and salu- 
tary advice, that may prove useful to many of 
the opposite sex. 

It must not be supposed, because little refer- 
ence is made to females in connection with mas- 
turbation, &c, that the male sex alone is guilty 
of indulging in such heinous, wicked, disgusting, 
and debasing practices. It is too true, that it is 
common to both sexes, but not so generally 
known or observed among females, because (not- 
withstanding all they may suffer both mentally 
and physically) they refrain from making their 
sufferings known, seldom revealing even to 
their own nearest and dearest friend their guilt, 
(in which they err, and are certainly culpable) ; 
preferring to suffer and linger even unto death, 
than to do so, or even to intimate to their medical 
attendants the probable cause of their suffer- 
ings. 

Equally at fault are physicians, who, through 
modesty or diffidence, (affected or otherwise), 
delicacy or fear, hesitate, or Tire deterred from 
making the necessary inquiries into the real or 



78 SPERMATORRHEA. 

existing causes of the sufferings and condition 
of many female patients, as is their bounden pro- 
fessional and moral duty ; for the wife, mother, 
and daughter are equally entitled to their pro- 
fessional scrutiny, watchfulness, and care, as re- 
gards their health, vigor, physical and procrea- 
tive powers, as the opposite sex. It is not only 
a shame, but criminal neglect on their part, that 
such is the case; but the fact that physicians 
are thus derelict at times in their duty, the cor- 
respondence, and representations of many who 
apply to me for relief, confirm. 

When a girl, who, in early years, (say 12 to 
16), is gay and lively, possessed of a natural 
and healthful complexion, full of freshness and 
beauty, animated in spirits, and enjoying appa- 
rent good health, is observed to change, becom* 
ing pale and sickly, dull and inanimate, spirits 
depressed and less lively than usual, having a 
dislike to society or former pleasures and enjoy- 
ments, and complains of weakness or languor — 
then, indeed, may it strongly be suspected there 
is a particular cause for it, and it behooves the 
parent, guardian, physician, or others in whose 
care she may be, to be watchful, and if it be 
ascertained that masturbation is the cause, means 
should be at once adopted to stay indulgence in 
a habit which, though in opposition to chastity 
and honor, still is incited by natural feelings and 
desires, and which', if continued, must influence 
the mind, overcome reason, and when least feared, 
plunge her into greater guilt, perhaps the loss 



IMPOTENCE. 79 

of innocence and virtue ; or, when such is not 
the result, she may become miserable through 
life, suffering, in many respects, in the manner 
already described as resulting to the other sex. 

Females, at whatever period of life, single or 
married, conscious of conditions existing, the 
result of improper habits referred to, should cast 
off all fear, modesty, affectation, or delicacy, 
(which is inexcusable, because they, like the 
other sex, require professional advice and assist- 
ance also), and consult some competent person ; 
or they can consult me either at my private 
offices, or correspond with me (not forgetting to 
enclose a reasonable fee) by letter, which will at 
all times be sacredly confidential, when advice 
and proper medicine, with instructions, will be 
sent as required, or directed either to their own 
names or address, or different and assumed ones. 



IMPOTENCE. 

By impotence is understood, in a general 
sense, an incapacity or inability to perform or 
indulge in sexual intercourse, because of want 
of volition or otherwise ; disqualification through 
the workings or operations of the mind ; or the 
impossibility of erection of the virile organ, from 
whatever causes, so necessary to the performance 
of venereal acts and the mutual enjoyment of 
the sexes. 



80 IMPOTENCE. 

Disqualification sometimes arises from malfor- 
mation or organic defects, which, in many in- 
stances, may be relieved by the surgeon or phy- 
sician. It exists, however, when the genital 
organs apparently are perfect, but owing to some 
cause, erections occur either imperfectly, or not at 
all ; happening mostly to the offspring of persons 
constitutionally injured through debauchery and 
excesses, the feeble or infirm, very aged or too 
young. Disqualification is also produced through 
the effects of certain diseases of the genital or- 
gans, where proper treatment has been long 
delayed ; or through wrong treatment, attempted 
by individuals themselves, or through the advice 
of others incompetent ; or, as is too often the 
case, when treated by quacks or impostors, who 
encourage disease or other conditions where the 
continued reception of fees is anticipated. 

Two of the principal causes of impotence, 
partial or complete in early manhood, are mas- 
turbation and the too early (frequently excessive) 
indulgence in sexual intercourse; the former 
producing effects, from the period of its com- 
mencement, distressing and alarming, as before 
described, terminating in impotence ; the latter 
destroying the procreative power and producing 
general weakness of the generative organs. 

The youthful reader should be warned by the 
preceding sections, and thus avoid such serious 
consequences. Those suffering with partial im- 
potence particularly, should at once cease their 
course, and seek proper advice and aid, for they 



IMPOTENCE. 81 

can be relieved ; where it is complete, fall re~ 
storation is uncertain. 

There are also other causes of impotence not, 
however, always complete, but partial or tempo- 
rary. Want of volition has been named, which 
occurs under peculiar circumstances ; namely, 
where jealousy exists, chagrin, disappointed 
love, a discovery of deception practised, either 
of physical defects or other causes, and not 
known until after matrimony, unhappy matrimo- 
nial alliances or connexions, unwillingly formed 
or entered into, all which tend to create dissatis- 
faction, horror, and disgust between parties, 
opposing feelings that should otherwise exist; 
and where, not seeking pleasures and gratifying 
the passions elsewhere, (which is sometimes 
done), but acting under the influence of moral 
or conscientious views, strict continence is ob- 
served, impotence is sure to follow. 

The mind possesses the most powerful con- 
trolling influence of all other powers in copula- 
tion ; without it the act could not be per- 
formed ; being frequently absorbed and en- 
gaged in a variety of thoughts and imagina- 
tions ; apprehensions lest copulation be not well 
performed ; timidity and fear of various conse- 
quences ; great eagerness and anxiety under 
some circumstances ; disappointments and a 
variety of other causes, all produce nervousness 
and feelings which destroy powers of erection 
and defeat copulation ; their frequent occurrence 
causing impotence. 



82 IMPOTENCE. 

Like the confirmed consumptive, so the con- 
firmed impotent has but faint hopes, or despairs 
of being restored ; nevertheless, such is the anxiety 
of all suffering from it, particularly where the 
passions, desires, and feelings common and natu- 
ral to the sexes exist, that all in the world pos- 
sessed by many, would be given to be restored ; 
and in the hope of it, one and another is applied 
to for counsel or aid, taking the chances whether 
for better or worse; and when not resulting 
favorably, persevering until nature is dragged 
down, sinking gradually into a state of melan- 
choly, imbecility, or mania. 

To prevent, relieve, or remove impotency, 
temporary, partial, or complete, and thus restore 
the natural procreative powers and ability of 
the virile organs, resulting from a variety of 
causes, would require equally varied treatment, 
to describe which would occupy more space than 
can be embraced in a small work like this, 
limited in proportion to its cost. Being desirous 
of introducing into it the character, description, 
and treatment of numerous diseases, &c, com- 
mon to, and afflicting a far greater number of 
both sexes, (thus making it more useful and im- 
portant to the many than the few), I shall make 
but a few suggestions, and give some advice to 
those suffering from impotence, appropriating 
the remaining portion of the book to diseases, 
&c, much more prevalent. 

I would particularly advise all, on the first 
observance of indications of impotence, from 



IMPOTENCE. 83 

whatever cause, not to trifle, tamper, or experi- 
ment with the boasted, puffed, and advertised 
nostrums and specifics of quacks and impostors, 
who always urge perseverance in each one's own 
respective preparation or treatment, without re- 
gard to the different symptoms or conditions of 
their patients ; as though any single medicine 
possessed universal cure-all properties, or though 
one course of treatment was applicable in all 
cases ; thus, not only deceiving and robbing the 
unfortunate and afflicted, but through delay, 
time lost in tampering with nostrums, frequently 
of a powerful and dangerous nature, and through 
improper treatment injuring and destroying 
other healthy functions of the body, finally in- 
volving the whole system or constitution, plung- 
ing their too confiding, credulous, and deluded 
patients, or victims, into conditions or situations 
more desperate and hopeless, with increased 
sufferings, terminating frequently by earlier dis- 
solution than otherwise might have occurred. 
Apply, therefore, to some competent physician, 
capable of judging from the nature and history 
of a case fully described, as to the probable 
chance of restoration, who, in consideration of a 
reasonable fee, will give his candid opinion there- 
of, and, if possible, will effect it ; — if not, he will 
so inform his patient, and thus not only relieve 
him from much anxiety, if he has confidence in 
his judgment, but save him also from much cost, 
imposition of quacks, and the ignorant and un- 
skilful, increased suffering, &c. 



84 IMPOTENCE. 

In many cases, where partial or temporary 
impotence exists, the aid of invigorating or stimu- 
lating medicines is not only altogether unneces- 
sary, but frequently injurious. I refer to those 
where the mind operates as described in a pre- 
ceding section. In such cases it is only neces- 
sary for individuals to cast off all fears, timidity, 
ideas, imaginations, &c, resolving within them- 
selves that they are childish, foolish, and unbe- 
coming, that they are possessed of the natural 
attributes of man, and that confidence in their 
ability, &c, shall supersede and overcome them. 

Individuals of delicate and feeble constitu- 
tions, whose physical powers are impaired, but 
whose passions and feelings strongly incline to 
cohabit, and in whom sufficient ability or capacity 
to perform is wanting, will find tonics, bathing, 
and douching the genitals daily, or two or three 
times a week, very beneficial. In the absence 
of inclination, or where there is indifference, but 
where there is ability and capacity, stimulants 
will be found temporarily effectual, but being 
artificially employed will sooner or later lose 
their influence, and impotency certainly follow. 



VENEREAL DISEASES. 

Under this head I shall embrace diseases, or 
affections, of the urinary and generative organs 
of both sexes, of contagious character, resulting 
more especially from venereal excesses, or sexual 
intercourse ; known generally as Blenorrhagia, 
Balanitis, Gonorrhoea (vulgarly called "Clap"), 
Syphilis (vulgarly called u Pox"), affecting dif- 
ferent parts, appearing in different forms, and 
running through several stages or periods. 

BLENORRHAGIA, 

OR BALANITIS OF THE GENERATIVE ORGANS OF 
MALE AND FEMALE. 

By some the term Blenorrhagia is used as 
synonymous with Gonorrhoea, or Clap — although 
the latter may be considered a Blenorrhagic dis- 
charge from the urethritic passage of either sex, 
or the vagina and uterus of the female ; it is, 
however, of an entirely distinct character from 
Blenorrhagia or Balanitis of the same parts, from 
other causes, and attended with different symp- 
toms, appearances, consequences, or results, as 
will be hereafter described. They will, therefore, 
be treated of in such manner as will convey as 
dear an understanding as possible of their differ- 
8 (85) 



86 VENEREAL DISEASES* 

ence, to avoid error and difficulty which has 
heretofore and may hereafter occur. 

Blenorrhagia, as distinct from Gonorrhoea, con- 
sists of a mucous or purulent discharge occur- 
ing in infancy, childhood, puberty, and maturity 
of both sexes, whether through intercourse or 
not. It arises often from irritation and inflam- 
mation of mucous membranes and surfaces, affect- 
ing the eyes, nose, mouth, throat, and ears of 
either sex mostly at an early age, and the pre- 
puce, glans-penis, and urethra of the male, and 
the uterus, vagina, labia, vulva, and urethritic 
passage of the female, usually in more advanced 
years. 

When affecting the genital or generative parts 
of the two sexes (and which only will be treated 
of in this small work), in the male it is often the 
result of uncleanliness, allowing the sebaceous 
or cheese-like secretions from the odoriferous 
glands situated around the neck at the base of 
the glans-penis or head, to become offensive, 
icherous, and irritating ; causing inflammation of 
the mucous surface of the same, as well as of 
the under side of the prepuce, followed with 
balanitic sores scattered over their surfaces. 

Men are also affected with it through inter- 
course with healthy females, even their wives, 
immediately preceding their menstrual period, 
as well as during, and at the time of cessation 
of the menstrual flow, when the condition of 
females is such as sometimes is capable of pro- 
ducing an irritation of the male organs, particu- 



BLENORRHAGIA, BALANITIS. 8*7 

larly in cases of individuals of a peculiarly sus- 
ceptible temperament. Among such, also, it is 
conceded, similar results follow intercourse with 
females affected with leucorrhea (vulgarly called 
the "Whites"), which is common among females 
of all classes, including the most virtuous, single 
and married, arising often from unknown causes, 
as well as from debility, exposure, long sickness, 
violent exercises, excessive and improper indul- 
gences or habits, painful and irregular menstrua- 
tion, abortions, miscarriages, tedious and diffi- 
cult labors, etc. etc. 

A blenorrhagic discharge also occurs in the 
male, when the prepuce is much elongated, or 
when covering the head or glans-penis, and can- 
not be drawn back ; being so contracted on its 
edge as admitting only of the passage of the 
urine. The sebaceous or cheese-like secretions 
being confined under the prepuce, through ignor- 
ance and heedlessness of persons of the import- 
ance of its constant removal and cleanliness, are 
allowed to become offensive, and is converted 
into an irritating serous pus or fluid, discharg- 
ing itself sometimes profusely, and creating sores 
of mucous surfaces of the glans-penis — the under 
side — as well as edge of the prepuce, swell- 
ing, etc. 

A blenorrhagic discharge from the urethra 
(often mistaken for gonorrhoea, notwithstanding 
no previous intercourse being had for a long 
time previous) sometimes arises from violent 
exercise, venereal excesses, immoderate or exces- 



88 VENEREAL DISEASES. 

sive use of malt or spirituous liquors ; the free 
use of mustard, cayenne pepper, and horse-radish 
with articles of food ; eating very freely or im- 
moderately of asparagus ; the taking of tincture 
of eantharides, whether prescribed for some dis- 
ease or employed under the deceptive and mis- 
taken idea or supposition of increasing animal 
passion or vigor. The foregoing produce influ- 
ences upon the kidneys and bladder, resulting in 
or producing such discharge, but more particu- 
larly among those injured or affected in earlier 
days through masturbation, or previously from 
frequent or obstinate and long-standing gonor- 
rhoea. Among females a similar discharge often 
arises, when, from necessity, they are obliged to 
use pessaries, and of whatever material they 
may be, neglecting occasionally to remove and 
cleanse them. 

Blenorrhagia, when affecting the sexual organs 
externally, is sometimes called external gonor- 
rhoea, or " bastard clap." As a forerunner and 
afterward co-existing with balanitis, in male or 
female, there is in the beginning a slight itching 
of the parts affected, followed with heat, unusual 
redness, inflammation, tenderness, soreness or 
pain, and more or less thickness or swelling of 
the prepuce — labia, vulva, etc. Afterward 
numerous minute and small pimples, pustules, or 
blisters arise, filled with a transparent watery 
fluid or humor, changing to an opaque and 
purulent matter. There being generally several 
of them adjacent to each other ; breaking, they 



BLENORRHAGIA, BALANITIS. 89 

communicate and run into one patch or sore, 
with rough and irregular edges. Continuing to 
spread, they sometimes cover the whole surface 
of the part affected, and it becomes quite raw, 
appearing as though scalded or blistered ; and 
the purulent matter increasing, becomes profuse 
and offensive. At other times, instead of run- 
ning into patches, extensive excoriations, pene- 
trating, deep erosions, and sores follow, some- 
what resembling chancres, and with which thej 
are often complicated. Inflammation running 
on, the prepuce often becomes much swollen, 
even to its utmost capacity; when forward, 
covering the head of the penis, it is called Phy- 
mosis ; and back, exposing the head of the penis, 
called Paraphymosis. If not receiving early and 
proper attention, erysipelas, sloughing, gangrene, 
and destruction of the parts sometimes takes 
place. Inflammation, following the lymphatics, 
reaches the inguinal glands, or glands in the 
groins ; which, swelling, become so enlarged as 
to cause them to be mistaken for buboes. Care 
should be taken, however, not to complicate or 
confound them with syphilitic buboes, as differ- 
ent treatment is required in the two cases. 

Much inflammation and swelling of the exter- 
nal parts of the female genital organs, and glands 
of the groins, are also of frequent occurrence, re- 
sulting from the same causes, and subject to the 
same distressing consequences, as in the male. 

To avoid Menorrhagia, or balanitis, cleanli- 
ness is of the first importance ; as the want or 
8* 



90 VENEREAL DISEASES. 

neglect of it will originate the affection in one, 
and through intercourse communicate it to an- 
other. 

It may seem indelicate to charge either sex 
with neglect and want of proper attention to 
cleanliness, but both are guilty ; females, it is 
generally conceded, to a greater extent than 
males; not, however, without some palliative 
cause, as difference in the organic parts of the sexes 
renders bathing and ablutions more difficult, 
troublesome, and even impossible among females, 
without proper means or facilities at hand, and 
which are not always easy to be obtained by 
them. 

Often it may be attributed to ignorance of 
the necessity and importance of cleanliness ; but 
too often to indifference, neglect, or indolence. 

There can be but one excuse among males, 
that is, ignorance ; because of the great facility 
of bathing the parts most liable to be affected, 
through uncleanliness; except in instances of 
covered glans-penis, where the prepuce cannot 
be drawn back. 

The liability to a blenorrhagia of organic parts 
in the female being much greater than in the 
male, renders cleanliness in the former of much 
importance ; as the causes being more numerous, 
whether single or married, there is the greater 
chance of communicating it, if affected, to the 
opposite sex; if in the married state, sometimes 
involving domestic peace and happiness, and 
which is often destroyed through ignorance or 



BLENORRHAGIA, BALANITIS. 91 

base designs of Quacks, or officious and meddle- 
some friends, to whom either party may happen 
to have communicated suspicions of infidelity. 

It is gratifying to me, having been appealed 
to in numerous instances where difficulties had 
arisen between man and wife through unfounded 
suspicions created by others, and the ignorance 
or villany of Quacks; that I have been instru- 
mental in reconciling parties after convincing 
them of the true nature and cause of either one's 
condition, and restoring them to their former 
happy state. 

"Self-styled Doctors," or Quacks, are par- 
ticularly guilty of such outrages ; being mostly 
regarded as impostors, it is not, however, aston- 
ishing. Regardless of reputation or results in 
all cases, gain being their sole object, they fear 
not prosecution for their acts ; as parties, how- 
ever innocent, dislike to appear in public print, 
or public tribunals, under such peculiarly deli- 
cate circumstances, to prosecute them when dis- 
covering they had been deceived and imposed 
upon. Sometimes, through ignorance, they will 
represent balanitic sores, or blenorrhagic dis- 
charges, as syphilis, or gonorrhoea; but, by 
others (particularly if the parties be wealthy), 
it is done designedly, that large fees may be 
obtained for curing (or professing to cure). Not- 
withstanding a party applying is satisfied of the 
innocence of his or her partner, and distinctly 
manifests it, they will still insist it is syphilis or 
gonorrhoea ; but suggest various modes by which 



92 VENEREAL DISEASES. 

either may have contracted it, contrary to rea- 
son or common sense, to obtain the legal fee ; 
still leaving or creating in the mind a doubt as 
to the guilt or innocence of one or the other. 

Suspicion being aroused between man and 
wife, the one first applying to such impostors 
accuses the other of infidelity on their authority, 
because (as falsely represented) being afflicted 
with a loathsome and contagious disease. The 
other in turn applying for information or expla- 
nation, receives little satisfaction or consolation 
other than being told, he or she, as the case 
may be, is similarly afflicted. Thus, still favor- 
ing and encouraging the suspicion of guilt of 
one or the other, without explaining their real 
condition, or cause of affliction, designedly to 
secure both as patients, and charging exorbitant 
fees, supposing they would not, under the cir- 
cumstances, apply to their family or other re- 
spectable physician. 

Crimination and recrimination is thus ofttimes 
the consequence, leading sometimes to separa- 
tion ; but happily, however, through the timely 
intercession of friends, and application, made 
necessary (from various causes) to their family 
or other physicians, and discovering how they 
had been imposed upon, parties are most gene- 
rally reconciled. 

Much suffering and distress among females 
might be prevented if there was less false deli- 
cacy among physicians, in attendance upon them 
during certain conditions or situations incident 



BLENORRHAGIA, BALANITIS. 93 

to their sex. If the latter were more communi- 
cative and explicit to females, they might be the 
better informed and advised, so as to prevent 
as much as possible the recurrence of similar 
conditions, as well as to enable them to communi- 
cate the same to their female friends. 

It is, also, a great mistake and a fallacy in 
some physicians to suppose that in being thus 
communicative and explicit, that they are step- 
ping over the bounds of modesty or propriety, 
and that ladies would become offended thereat. 
It is true, the ignorant, falsely modest, and those 
pretending to uncommon virtue and innocence, 
if not really offended, affect to be so, or be most 
surprisingly shocked; but the sensible, intelli- 
gent, truly becoming, modest and virtuous female 
will always be grateful to those imparting to 
them information, however seemingly delicate,, 
conducing to their healthy conditions and the 
prevention of great and perhaps long suffering, 
mischief, and evil. 

An urgent reason, besides, why physicians 
should be- more communicative to woman than 
man, is, because of her sex ; her natural modesty 
and position will not permit, nor should it be 
expected of her, to obtain certain information 
by asking questions under many circumstances ; 
therefore, physicians should of themselves com- 
municate to her, where the least indication of 
special disease or ailment will justify, what man 
would unhesitatingly and unblushingly ask to 
know. 



94 VENEREAL DISEASES. 

Numerous females will, I am sure, be grate- 
ful and not censure me, either for my remarks 
or for urging upon them the necessity of cleanli- 
ness, not only of the external portion of the 
body, but parts before alluded to. The reason 
why it is pressed, is because three-fourths of the 
suffering and distress experienced among females, 
arising from certain conditions and diseases of 
those parts, originates through uncleanliness. 

It is truly surprising that very many, living at 
ease and luxuriously, with every comfort and 
convenience around them, are so neglectful in 
their ablutions. It applies, however, to all 
classes — the high and low — rich and poor — 
learned and ignorant. 

It is the more surprising, too, as water is 
abundant, and instruments adapted to their pur- 
poses within the reach of all, and may be ob- 
tained for fifty cents or upwards ; prices varying 
according to their material, finish, or style. 

Those who will pay proper attention to cleanli- 
ness, will, I am certain, appreciate it when they 
discover its importance and benefit. That there 
is much want and neglect of it is positive, from 
the fact of numerous females of respectable posi- 
tion and standing in society, in limited, and easy 
or affluent circumstances, seeking information as 
to their conditions or situations, making search- 
ing inquiry necessary, because of their suspicions 
of truant husbands. Wives, however, are not 
alone in this category; for often do husbands 



BLENORRHAGIA, BALANITIS. 95 

apply, under similar circumstances, suspicious 
of truant wives. 

It may, perhaps, relieve many unfounded sus- 
picions of loathsome diseases, by further adding, 
that some, afflicted as represented in preceding 
pages, positively deny intercourse with the oppo- 
site sex at any time whatever, or for weeks, 
months, or years, (and then only with the healthy, 
or at home, where no suspicion of contagion ex- 
isted). Because, however, of the almost similar 
appearances, symptoms, and progress of a Men- 
orrhagia or balanitis (from causes before stated), 
to gonorrhoea or syphilis, they conceive they are 
afflicted with one or the other, and indulge in 
the improbable ideas (heard of, or suggested by 
some friends to whom suspicions are communi- 
cated, or by some designing impostor) of con- 
tracting them in a water-closet ; or in lying with 
others and coming in contact during sleep ; or 
from bed-clothing used by others, and who may 
have been so diseased. Thus do many deceive 
themselves, and are deceived by others, as 
afflicted with gonorrhoea or syphilis, when in 
reality balanitic sores, or a blenorrhagic dis- 
charge from other causes, exist. 

Man and wife, as well as the single or unmar- 
ried, should at all times, therefore, be cautious, 
and be not too hasty in their suspicions or con- 
clusions, or in applying to notorious Quacks or 
impostors, (whose object is to misrepresent and 
deceive for pecuniary gain) ; but to endeavor to 
trace and find out, through proper and responsi- 



96 VENEREAL DISEASES. 

ble authority, that of one or more competent 
physicians, how, and with what they are afflicted. 
By doing so, much anxiety, mortification, and 
unhappiness will be avoided. 

TREATMENT 

OF BLENORRHAGIA AND BALANITIS IN THE 
BEGINNING OR EARLY STAGES. 

When there is redness, heat, and soreness of 
the parts, heretofore mentioned or named, and 
there is some thickening, or slight swelling, cold 
fomentations of lead or ice water, or vinegar 
and water, should be promptly, and, for a couple 
of days, continually applied. If neglected, bala- 
nitic pimples, or small sores, appear upon the 
external surfaces, discharging a muco-purulent 
matter, which will generally be cured by cleans- 
ing the parts affected, several times daily, with 
simple- water, lime-water, or weak alum-water — 
afterwards drying the surfaces, and as often 
covering the parts with dry and fresh pledgets 
of thin soft linen or muslin ; thus preventing con- 
tact with opposite surfaces, which otherwise 
would become irritated, and be similarly affected. 
At each time of removal of the pledgets, if stick- 
ing, they should be well softened with water, and 
not forcibly removed, which would cause bleed- 
ing and increased irritation. 

If simple treatment, as the foregoing, is in- 
effectual, mild astringent solutions of sulphate 






BLENORRHAGIA, BALANITIS. 97 

or acetate of zinc, acetate of lead, tannic acid, 
etc., one or two grains to an ounce of water, 
applied to the parts, is often effectual. Aromatic 
wine is also highly recommended. In some in- 
stances these applications increase the irritation, 
and bran water, and solutions of borax, or ex- 
tract of opium, will be found more effectual in 
allaying irritation, soothing pain, and healing 
the sores. If the parts be swollen, pledgets, 
kept constantly wet with goulard, or lead-water, 
or bread and milk poultices, should be early ap- 
plied. Leeches, so generally applied to other 
local inflammations and swellings, should not 
here be employed, or resorted to with caution, as 
much mischief often results from matter entering 
their bites, erysipelas sometimes following, etc. 

If the discharge be from between the prepuce 
and glans-penis, the former covering the latter 
naturally, and cannot be drawn back, water 
should be first copiously injected, several times 
through the day, between the parts, with a syringe, 
cleansing and removing therefrom offensive and 
unhealthy matter, or secretions ; to be followed 
each time with injections of one or another of 
the solutions before recommended. 

When the external parts of the female, and 
internal vaginal surfaces are similarly affected, 
or discharging more or less, similar pledgets 
may be applied, and fomentations and injec- 
tions of solutions used, as recommended in the 
male. Glass syringes of the largest size that 
can be obtained, should be preferred by females, 
9 



98 VENEREAL DISEASES. 

that injections may be copious, and prove 
the more effectual. Where glass syringes can- 
not be procured, metal ones may be used ; the 
principal objections to them being, they cannot 
at all times be kept so clean as glass, and the 
metal is partially acted upon by some of the 
solutions, but not to any injurious extent. 

Mild aperient medicines should be occasionally 
taken, and particularly when costiveness exists. 
A healthy condition of the stomach and bowels 
is important ; a simple, wholesome diet, should 
be observed, and all malt or spirituous liquors 
must be avoided. Tonics will be found generally 
useful. 

In the more advanced stages of a blenorrhagia 
or balanitis, severe pains, violent inflammation, 
much swelling of different parts of the organs, 
or of one or both groins, large patches or deep 
sores, extensive excoriations and ulcerations ex- 
isting, profusely discharging offensive, purulent 
matter, and sloughing, or gangrene is threatened ; 
it would be improper for me to direct any course 
of treatment for patients to pursue, as the risk 
of serious consequences would be too great in 
their attempting it ; besides, in consequence of 
the varied conditions of patients, general treat- 
ment will not answer, and the assistance of an 
experienced and skilful physician is absolutely 
necessary in different cases. 

Patients applying to, or addressing me, must 
give a full and explicit description of their cases, 
the more effectually to treat them successfully ; 



GONORRHOEA. 99 

and not forgetting to enclose a compensating 
fee, otherwise there will be delay in not receiv- 
ing prompt attention, necessary to prevent con- 
stitutional disturbance or injury. 

In the beginning of balanitic or blenorrha- 
gic discharges, they may seem of trifling charac- 
ter. Too often through neglect, delay, or in- 
difference, and, I may add, wrong and improper 
treatment, does serious consequences result — 
such as partial destruction of organs, long and 
extreme suffering, nervousness, depression of 
spirits, disgust and loathsomeness of one's con- 
dition, misery, and unhappiness. 



GONORRHOEA, 
(vulgarly called the "clap.") 

Gonorrhcea is a discharge distinguished from 
a blenorrhagic, as represented on preceding 
pages, of a positive contagious character ; gene- 
rally conceded to be conveyed through absorp- 
tion, by the gonorrhceal matter, or virus, coming 
in contact with mucous surfaces, or membranes, 
and as more generally and particularly affecting 
the urethra of the male and female, as also the 
uterus and vaginal parts of the latter. The 
genital organs, eyes, nose, etc., of newly born 
infants are sometimes affected with it, contracted 
through contagion before birth from parents. 
Through carelessness, or accident, adults some- 



100 VENEREAL DISEASES. 

times convey the virus to their eyes, nose, etc., 
and they become similarly affected. 

The symptoms of gonorrhoea develop them- 
selves at earlier or later periods ; namely, from 
one to eight days after intercourse, seldom after. 
Instances are not wanting, however, if some 
statements are to be relied upon, of there being 
no indications or symptoms before two weeks or 
more after intercourse. Such statements are, 
generally, received by the profession with more 
or less doubt. 

There are various theories entertained by 
writers and practical men, as to the manner of 
conveying and contracting the disease ; but can- 
not, in so small a work as this, be introduced or 
commented on, because, as has been more than 
once observed heretofore by the author, his in- 
tention is not to theorize, but give such informa- 
tion of diseases, with desultory remarks, and 
advice as to their treatment, to a certain extent, 
as may more particularly benefit the afflicted and 
unfortunate. 

Gonorrhoea, being of inflammatory character, 
its virus, or matter, being received within the 
meatus (mouth or orifice) of the urethra, or 
canal, its progress is thus simply and briefly 
described by Ricord, who speaks of it as " Blen- 
orrhagia" of the urethra; a term used and pre- 
ferred by some writers. 

" Blenorrhagia of the Urethra, may be 
divided into phases or periods, which succeed 
one another, provided the inflammation is not 



GONORRHCEA. 101 

checked. In the first period the balanic region 
is alone affected ; inflammation then extends 
itself backwards, arriving at the spongy or 
bulbous portion ; in a short time it gains the 
membranous region, and reaches the prostate 
portion, and sometimes the neck of the bladder." 
Gonorrhoea, as common to the parts named 
in both sexes, is oft attended and followed with 
a variety of effects and consequences of a dis- 
tressing nature. 

SYMPTOMS OF GONORRHOEA. 

In the male, the most prominent indications, 
in the beginning, are a slight itching along the 
urethra, or a redness, inflammation, and pout- 
ing, or thickening around the edge of its mouth ; 
afterward soreness is felt within the mouth, and 
extending along the urethra, causing a burning 
or scalding sensation along the passage, during 
and after voiding urine, which is the more or 
less severe, according to the degree and extent 
of the inflammation ; a discharge of an opaque, 
creamish, or yellow colored matter, sometimes 
tinged with green, occasionally precedes ; but 
most generally does not take place until inflam- 
mation is fully established. 

The scalding, or burning, is ofttimes excruciat- 
ing, and almost intolerable, even to cause un- 
willingness and dread of urinating, which is 
avoided until compelled ; in the course of the 
disease, the desire to urinate becomes more fre- 
9* 



102 VENEREAL DISEASES. 

quent, and the urine is passed in a thin, narrow, 
scattered, or broken stream, because of obstruc- 
tions created by the accumulation of matter along, 
the urethra, or a thickening and swelling of the 
walls or sides of it. Dribbling of the urine some- 
times happens, or it is almost entirely prevented 
from escaping until nature forces its passage, 
when it is accompanied, generally, with a mix- 
ture of blood, in consequence of the rupture of 
one or more small blood vessels. 

The discharges of matter increasing, and con- 
stantly oozing from the mouth of the penis, 
through ignorance, carelessness, and uncleanli- 
ness, the prepuce in being drawn back and for- 
ward over the glans-penis, ofttimes carries with 
it portions of matter, which, lodging upon the 
surface, or neck of the glans-penis, causes irrita- 
tion, and gives rise to sores, excoriations, warts, 
or excrescences. At other times, causes swell- 
ing or enlargement of the glans-penis, which 
becomes very red and shining, and so extremely 
tender and sensitive as not bearing contact with 
the garments or bed-clothing. 

In the female, the symptoms of gonorrhoea in 
the beginning, and the discharge, are similar to 
those described in the male. Whether the 
urethritic passage, or within the vagina or uterus, 
be affected, there is a frequent desire to micturate, 
sometimes attended with much difficulty and 
pain. Itching is felt, and unusual redness of the 
external parts, indicative of inflammation, fol- 
lowed with a sensation of burning or scalding 



G0N0RRHCEA. 103 

during and after micturition ; more particularly 
when affecting the urethritic passage; occurring 
also, however, at times when affecting the uterus 
or vagina, the inflammation extending to ad- 
jacent parts, the bladder, etc. Swellings of the 
clitoris, labia, vulva, and glands of the groins, 
of one or both sides, are not unusual in an early 
stage of gonorrhoea in the female. 

Females should, on discovering the existence 
of gonorrhoea, immediately resort to remedial 
means ; if not at hand, or not knowing how to 
proceed, or what to do, they should cast off all 
diffidence, and apply early to a competent physi- 
cian ; for through neglect, or delay, their situa- 
tions may become distressing, troublesome, ob- 
stinate, and difficult of cure ; because affecting 
organs more extensive than the male, and often 
attended with constitutional disturbance. In a 
large majority of cases among females, the organs 
of generation are affected — seldom the urethritic 
passage. 

TREATMENT 

OP GONORRHOEA, OR " CLAP," AS VULGARLY 
CALLED, IN ITS INCIPIENT FORMS, OR EARLY 
STAGES. 

Before proceeding to advise or recommend 
any course to be pursued, I think some prefatory 
remarks will be productive of much good to the 



104 VENEREAL DISEASES. 

afflicted and unfortunate, inducing reflection and 
precaution. 

Of all the various diseases incident to, or with 
which mankind is afflicted, there are none for 
which so many empirical or quackish remedies 
are offered, or various treatment recommended, 
as for venereal diseases. 

The reasons are obvious, and cannot be mis- 
taken. The scope for impostors being so great, 
they do not hesitate, "for pecuniary gain," to 
resort to lying boasts, misrepresentations, and 
false pretences, regardless of all moral decency, 
honesty, or humanity, to advertise "to cure," 
but in reality to u deceive and rob the unfortu- 
nate and afflicted." Many administer medicines 
from prescriptions given them whilst under treat- 
ment themselves, with an experienced practical 
physician, for some venereal disease, and affixing 
"Dr." to their names, employ, in their new 
undertakings, the same medicines in all cases, 
"as cure alls," in treating their misled victims, 
without regard to difference in character of their 
respective diseases, the symptoms, stages, or ex- 
tent to which they have arrived, etc., or knowing 
whether positively venereal or not. 

Others, having read some treatise or work on 
venereal diseases, set out as "Doctors," without 
any opportunities of obtaining a knowledge of 
them, or observations % during an attendance upon 
venereal patients in hospitals, or other institu- 
tutions ; or through a course of study, as to the 
anatomical relations or attributes of man, his 



GONORRHOEA. 105 

liability or susceptibility to diseases, morbid 
conditions, or changes ; their nature, manner of 
treatment and cure, or even knowing the medici- 
nal or curative properties, character, or effects 
of the very medicines they recommend ; having 
only read of them, yet do they recklessly un- 
dertake, from base and sordid motives, to treat 
unsuspecting' patients, regardless of their future 
health, constitutional injury, long and protracted 
sufferings, even of life itself, througk their ignor- 
ance and wrong treatment. 

Thus are the afflicted and unfortunate made 
to suffer, and relieved of fees of various amounts 
fraudulently, by " self-styled Doctors and impos- 
tors;'' knowing their misled and unsuspecting 
victims, or sufferers, would not expose them- 
selves by prosecuting them for damages, because 
of mal-treatment, constitutional injury, loss of 
time whilst under their treatment, and obtaining 
money under false pretences. 

There are numerous preparations employed 
by them in the different venereal diseases, and 
during all stages, without judgment or discrimi- 
nation ; hence, the uncertainty of treatment, in- 
efficiency, etc., at the same time disease 'going 
on, daily adding to the sufferings of their too 
credulous patients. 

Thousands tamper with, and try various pre- 
parations or medicines, advertised " to cure all 
venereal diseases," costing dollar after dollar, 
until large amounts are expended without suc- 
cess ; when, for a small amount, they would be 



106 VENEREAL DISEASES. 

cured by me, or some other competent physician, 
on first application to either, in the shortest 
possible time. 

Dr. N. B. Leidy has a number of specifics 
adapted to the various conditions or stages of 
gonorrhoea, syphilis, and other venereal affec- 
tions. Any one applying to, or addressing him, 
(enclosing fee,) and giving a description of his, 
or her symptoms, there will be sent, in full 
consideration of fee, by mail, express, or other- 
wise, as may be desired, his specifics adapted to 
each one's condition ; and be permanently cured 
to a certainty, at a reasonable expense, in a short 
time, and with little suffering or restraint in 
living and occupation. 

The following are some of the numerous 
quackish medicines referred to. There are, be- 
side these, numerous others, but as they would 
require a large volume to publish all, I will 
select a few that may sometimes be employed, 
in the earlier stages of gonorrhoea, with caution 
and judgment ; though even their employment 
at times, depending upon the condition, consti- 
tution, temperament, etc., of persons, are unsuc- 
cessful, and productive of unpleasant conse- 
quences ; it would, therefore, be better if they 
had not been taken in a large majority of cases 
— for, differing so much, special treatment, in 
other words, certain specifics at different periods, 
phases, or stages of disease, and adapted to cer- 
tain constitutions, becomes necessary. 



GONORRHCEA. 107 

No. l. — Take of 

Balsam Copaiba Jounce. 

Powdered Cubebs J " 

Mucilage of Gum Arabic 6J ounces. 

Sweet Spirits of Nitre 2 drachms. 

Hydrocyanic, or Prussic Acid 8 drops. 

Syrup of Tolu 2 drachms. 

Mix — Two tablespoonsfuls to be taken twice a day, 
between meals. 



No. 2. — Take of 

Spirits of Turpentine, 

Balsam Copaiba, 

Oil of Amber — of each 1 ounce. 

Mix — 30 to 35 drops to be taken morning, noon, and 
evening, on sugar, in a small quantity, milk, or syrup 
of any kind, fifteen or twenty minutes after meals. 



No. 3. — Take of 

Venice Turpentine 1 drachm. 

Mucilage of Gum Arabic 2 ounces. 

Emulsion of bitter Almonds 4 " 

Syrup of Orange 1 ounce. 

Laudanum 1 drachm. 

Mix — Take two tablespoonsfuls three times a day. 



No. 4. — Take of 

Balsam Copaiba 2 ounces. 

Spirits of Turpentine 6 drachms. 

Tincture of Cantharides 2 " 

Tincture Muriate of Iron Jounce. 

Mucilage of Gum Arabic 4 ounces. 

Mix — A teaspoonful to be taken three times a day in 
water. 



108 VENEREAL DISEASES. 

No. 5. — Take of 

Sweet Spirits of Nitre 

Tincture of Cubebs — each J ounce. 

Spirits of Turpentine 1 drachm. 

Balsam Copaiba Jounce. 

Mucilage of Gum Arabic 

Syrup of Almonds — each 3 ounces. 

Mix — A tablespoonful to be taken between meals 
twice a day. 

No. 6. — Take of 
White Turpentine 

Extract of Rhubarb — each 1 J drachms. 

Refined Camphor, powdered. 1 drachm. 

Mix, and make into 50 pills — take three pills morn- 
ing, noon, and evening. 

No. 7. — Take of 
Balsam Copaiba 

Spirits of Turpentine — each Jounce. 

Liquor of Potass 1 " 

Mix — 30 drops to be taken three times a day. 

No. 8. — Take of 

Powdered Cubebs Jounce. 

Balsam Copaiba 2 drachms. 

Sulphate of Iron 1 drachm. 

Chian Turpentine 3 drachms. 

Mix, and make into 60 boluses — take five three times 
a day, before or after meals. 

No. 9. — Take of 

White Turpentine, 
Powdered Cubebs, 
Powdered Alum — each 2 drachms. 

Mix, and make into 90 pills — take four three times a 
day, before or after meals. 



GONORRHOEA > 109 

No. 10. —Take of 

Balsam Copaiba 

Syrup of Tolu 

Syrup of Poppies — each 1 ounce. 

Powdered Gum Arabic , 2 drachms. 

the latter to be previously made into mucilage, 
with three ounces of mint-water, and added 
to the foregoing. 

Mix — Take a teaspoonful three times a day. 

No. 11. — Take of 

Solution of Potass * 3 drachms. 

Oil of Cubebs 

Oil of Copaiba — each \ drachm, 

Spirit of Nutmeg Jounce. 

Camphor emulsion 2 ounces. 

Mix — Take a teaspoonful three times a day. 

No. 12. — Take of 

Powdered Cubebs 2 ounces. 

Cream of Tartar 1 ounce. 

Mix — Take a teaspoonful in water three times a day. 

No. 13. — Take of 

Balsam of Canada 1 ounce. 

Ginger Syrup 1J li 

Laudanum , 2 drachms. 

Mix, and add to the foregoing, the white of four eggs, 
previously well beat up, with a pint of water. 

A tablespoonful three or four times a day, to be well 
shaken when taken. 



Among the foregoing, it will be perceived, 
different varieties of Turpentine, Tincture of 
10 



110 VENEREAL DISEASES. 

Cantharides, Oil of Cubebs, and Balsam Copaiba, 
enter into the combinations of mixtures, pills, 
etc., as remedies for gonorrhoea or clap. Not- 
withstanding, one or another may perchance 
prove efficacious, yet, when taken under all cir- 
cumstances, without judgment or discrimination, 
us is generally done, and recommended or ad- 
ministered by self-styled Doctors as " cure alls," 
distressing and serious consequences often re- 
sult ; namely, retention of urine, or inability or 
difficulty in passing it ; inflammation of the 
bladder and kidney ; swelled testicles, etc. The 
prejudice against turpentine, as a medicine, is 
almost universal, but, together with mercury and 
copaiba, they constitute the principal basis of 
quackish nostrums, whether in pills, powder, 
mixture, or any other form, for the cure of 
gonorrhoea. 

In the employment of either of the foregoing 
mixtures, pills, etc., it is advisable to do so, in 
the absence of as little inflammation as possible. 
Should much inflammation exist, scalding and 
burning sensations, during and after urinating, 
profuse discharge from the urethra, or some 
swelling of the parts ; the bowels should at once 
be freely opened, and kept so for two or three 
days, before taking either. Warm baths will 
be found efficacious in reducing inflammatory 
conditions, and reducing swellings. Rest, com- 
posure, low diet, and abstinence from all malt or 
spirituous liquors, is recommended to expedite 



GONORRHOEA. Ill 

relief and cure. Cleanliness is all important to 
prevent sores and excoriations of the parts. 

That unpleasant, or serious consequences, such 
as salivation, mercurial rheumatism, swelling of 
the joints, diseased bones, ulcerations, etc., may 
not result from the employment of mercurial 
medicines, I deem it proper I should not give 
prescriptions of them, lest some might be dis- 
posed to try them without judgment; besides, 
not administering mercury myself to venereal 
patients, I certainly would not give any encour- 
agement to others to use it. Suffice it to say, 
that mercury is combined and disguised in most 
preparations of Sarsaparilla and Buchu ; in 
various pills, mixtures, extracts, specifics, anti- 
dotes, panaceas, etc., as "cure alls" in venereal 
diseases, "killing or curing," which is the 
" motto" of venereal nostrum makers, Quacks, and 
impostors, with whom the dollar is the " grand 
desideratum," regardless of the health or lives 
of their victims. 

Injections, in former days, were popular, and 
were much employed. At the present day, how- 
ever, they are seldom resorted to. There are 
but few cases, indeed, of gonorrhoea requiring 
them, particularly among males. In female 
cases, when affecting the uterus, or vaginal parts, 
they are indispensable ; but then should only be 
employed under the directions and advice of a 
physician. 

Among the various articles employed, depend- 
ing upon circumstances, are mild or strong solu- 



112 VENEREAL DISEASES. 

tions, chiefly in rose-water (though pure water 
is equally efficacious), of nitrate of silver (lunar 
caustic) ; blue and white vitrol ; acetate or sugar 
of lead ; acetate of zinc ; tannic acid ; corrosive 
Sublimate; chloride of soda; decoctions of poppy 
heads ; oak barks, etc. 

In the employment of injections in the male, 
particularly if used at improper times, or injudi- 
ciously and unnecessary, swelled testicles, in- 
flammation of the urethra, prostate gland and 
bladder, gleet, strictures, etc., are more often pro- 
duced than from any other cause, not excepting 
the use and frequent introduction of the Bougie 
(a favorite instrument among Quacks), covered 
or besmeared with some unctuous substance com- 
bined with one or another of the articles named 
as employed for injections. 

Chordee. — During the continuance of gonor- 
rhoea, inflammation extends to the lymphatics, 
ligaments, or chords of the penis, etc., and when 
erection takes place, mostly occurring at night, 
the penis being in a state of tension, is curved in 
one direction or another, and the most intense 
and excruciating pain follows ; persons so afflicted 
are aroused from their sleep or rest, and jump- 
ing from their beds, are temporarily relieved by 
urinating, walking the floor, immersing the parts 
in a basin of cold water, or douching them, etc. 

During the existence of chordee, it is advisable 
to take a saline purgative in the mornings, and 
on retiring at night to take about thirty drops 



GONORRHOEA. 113 

of laudanum ; or a quarter grain sulphate of 
morphia in camphor-water ; or a tea spoonful of 
lupulin ; or a pill of one grain extract of bella- 
donna, with four grains of camphor ; if not re- 
lieved by single doses of either, to be repeated 
at intervals, two or three times during the 
night. In the absence of either of the foregoing, 
it is recommended that a teaspoonful of spirits 
of camphor (which may be found in most fami- 
lies) be taken in warm water and sugar, which 
will often prove efficacious in allaying the ten- 
dency to erections, and in doing so much pain 
will be avoided. Lying at night upon a mat- 
tress instead of a feather-bed, and urinating be- 
fore retiring, is also recommended. In doing so, 
and the continuance of one or other of the medi- 
cines named, nightly, for a few nights, will most 
generally allay a chordee. Costiveness must 
particularly be avoided during its existence. 

Phymosis and Paraphymosis are, also, con- 
sequent upon a gonorrhoea. The prepuce be- 
coming much swollen through inflammation, 
even to its utmost capacity, when covering the 
head, or glans-penis, and cannot be drawn back, 
it is called " Phymosis ;" when swollen, and is 
back of the head or neck of the glans-penis, it is 
called " Paraphymosis.'' In either case the 
swellings should be, as early as possible reduced ; 
which may be done sometimes by warm fomen- 
tations and compression, constant application 
of lead-water pledgets, bread and milk or slip- 
10* 



114 VENEREAL DISEASES. 

pery elm poultices, renewed two or three times 
during the day. At the same time taking saline 
purgatives, observing low diet, rest and compo- 
sure. 

Ordinary means, as just recommended, failing 
to reduce the swellings, puncturing with a sharp 
pointed lancet, or other instrument, leeching, or 
dividing the prepuce along the mesial line, and 
circumcision, or other treatment may become 
necessary, which can only be conducted by a phy- 
sician, as much discretion, caution, and care is 
necessary to avoid suppuration, gangrene, or 
destruction of the parts. 

Vegetation, Warts, and Excrescences. — 
They appear upon the mucous membranes and 
surfaces of the genitals of both sexes ; around 
the neck of, as well as upon the glans-penis — 
around and within the meatus, or orifice of the 
urethra of the male, and upon the labia, vulva, 
etc., of the female organs. They are hard and 
soft, or spongy — of rapid and slow growth, and 
in proportion as they grow larger, become an- 
noying, troublesome, and sometimes very sore. 
They appear in different forms, or shapes, desig- 
nated by names, similar to objects they most re- 
semble ; thus we have the cauliflower, or rasp- 
berry shaped, and the mushroom, with its broad 
top, slender, pedicular stem. Permitted to grow, 
they impede the drawing of the prepuce back- 
ward or forward, and around their bases secrete 
humors extremely offensive and irritating at 



GONORRHOEA. 115 

times, producing much soreness, excoriations, 
and ulcerations ; and being very vascular, bleed 
upon the slightest touch, not permitting even 
contact with the under clothing or garments. 

Warts and vegetations are often removed, on 
their early appearance, by ablutions with tepid 
water, or astringent washes and applications. 
If situated upon the surface of the glans-penis, 
or neck, or upon the under surface of the pre- 
puce, opposite to, and covering the glans-penis, 
dry pledgets of fine linen, or lint, should be ap- 
plied and frequently changed, to prevent their 
contact on opposite surfaces. This course con- 
tinued a short time, will cause them sometimes 
to shrivel, dry up, and disappear. 

When of advanced growth, wherever situated, 
it may be necessary to employ powerful escharo- 
tics, as caustic potass, Vienna paste, nitrate of 
silver, etc., and often the knife or surgical scis- 
sors ; in such cases, as well as when very sore, 
painful, excoriated, or ulcerated, secreting offen- 
sive humors, and much inflamed, it will be most 
advisable to seek medical aid or assistance. 

Swelled Testicles, otherwise known as Or- 
chitis, or Hernia Humor alis, as consequent 
upon, or co-existing with gonorrhoea, usually 
takes place when the inflammation through 
neglect or improper treatment, extends to the 
testicles (seldom involving both at the same time), 
and in its course extending along the spermatic 
chords and glands in the groins. Similar results 



116 VENEREAL DISEASES. 

happen from taking powerful remedial agents 
to suppress quickly the gonorrhoeal discharge, 
or the injudicious employment of different injec- 
tions for the same purpose ; mostly prescribed or 
directed by Quacks, to attain a (false) reputa- 
tion for quickly curing gonorrhoea, in stopping 
the discharge in twenty-four to forty-eight hours ; 
but in reality producing consequences twenty 
times more distressing, serious, and difficult to 
cure, which they falsely attribute to other causes, 
to relieve themselves from censure, and with a 
view to secure additional fees for further services. 

Severe and almost intolerable pain is felt in 
proportion as the swelling of the testicles in- 
creases, as is often the case to treble, or more, 
their original size ; and so distending the scrotum, 
or bag, to its utmost capacity, as becoming ex- 
tremely red, shining, and painful to the touch. 
During this condition there is generally attend- 
ant much thirst, fever, nausea, etc., with more 
or less constitutional disturbance ; and if ener- 
getic means be not employed to reduce the in- 
flammation and swelling, much distress and suf- 
fering is the consequence, besides, sometimes 
suppuration, or sloughing, of the testicles, or 
they become so hardened in their enlarged state 
as requires a long time, and much difficulty, in 
being restored to their original and natural size, 
and, occasionally, are never restored. 

There is seldom a continuance of the gonor- 
rhoeal discharge, during the existence of orchitis, 
or swelled testicles, but generally recurs after 



GONORRHOEA. lit 

the abatement of the foregoing conditions and 
reduction, or subsidence of the swellings. A re- 
currence of swelled testicles is not uncommon, 
from various causes ; as exposure, colds, im- 
moderate exercise, venereal excesses, stimulating 
freely, etc. 

Some protection against swelling of the testi- 
cles during a gonorrhoea, will be found in wear- 
ing a suspensory bag, supporting them, and 
thereby preventing a dragging weight, or bear- 
ing down, through tension upon the chords ; a 
cause of increased irritation. If there be a par- 
tial swelling, the suspensory bag should be worn 
through the day and removed at night when 
retiring. Douching the testicles on retiring, and 
in the morning, as well as a couple of times dur- 
ing the day, with cold w r ater, is recommended. 
If not checking the swelling after tw r o or three 
days, but continues increasing, some active pur- 
gatives, as senna and manna, or compound 
cathartic pills, should be taken daily for three 
or four days ; or, if preferred, after full evacua- 
tion of the bowels through the first dose taken, 
to be followed for three or four days, every three 
hours, with nauseating doses of tartar emetic, or 
ipecac. In either case, rest and composure must 
be observed, and strictly low and simple diet is 
necessary. 

If, after pursuing the foregoing prescribed 
course, there is little or no abatement of pain, 
or swelling, then medical assistance should be 
sought without delay, as compression, bleeding, 



118 VENEREAL DISEASES. 

leeching, or other treatment may become neces- 
sary, requiring medical discretion to judge of 
and direct. To avoid all risk and long suffer- 
ing, it would be most advisable, generally in case 
of swelled testicles, to seek medical advice or 
assistance. 

Varicocele, though often co-existing, with, 
more often exists in the absence of swelled testi- 
cles ; and though sometimes, perhaps, is caused 
by their swelling, is generally the result of mas- 
turbation, or self-abuse. It is first distinguished 
by a bunch of small cords or vessels, resembling 
a mass of worms, pendant, mostly within the 
lower portion of the scrotum, and occasionally 
become so enlarged as to force the testicles from 
their natural position, impairing the natural 
sexual vigor, becomes very annoying, and is the 
cause of much irritation. 

Upon the first discovery of varicocele existing, 
a suspensory bag should be worn throughout the 
day, and during the night also, if it can be done 
without too much inconvenience. Douching the 
scrotum, or bag, with cold water, night and 
morning, as well as once or twice during the 
day, is useful, and which, together with a liberal 
diet, and the use of preparations of iron and 
other tonics, will check its increase. 

Strictures. — By a stricture, it is to be under- 
stood, a swelling or thickening of some portion, 
or at some point of the lining membrane, or sur- 



GONORRHOEA. 119 

face of the urethra, through inflammation or other 
causes, and may be spasmodic or temporary. 
Through neglect, want of timely and proper at- 
tention, the parts affected become callous, indu- 
rated, and permanent ; narrowing the canal, or 
urethritic passage, so as to obstruct the natural 
flow of urine, causing it to be voided in a single 
thin stream, or divided into several thread-like, 
twisted, and irregular streams ; or in proportion 
to the character and extent of the stricture (or 
if more than one), the urine is voided by dribbles, 
or drop by drop, ofttimes very painful, and some- 
times resulting in retention of the urine, and 
inability to urinate at all/ 

Sir B. Brodie thus briefly and intelligently 
describes the character and symptoms, and some- 
times consequences of the temporary or spasmodic 
stricture. "' A man who is otherwise healthy 
voids his urine one day in a full stream. On 
the following day, perhaps, he is exposed to cold 
and damp ; or he dines out and forgets, amidst 
the company of his friends, the quantity of 
champagne, or punch, or other liquor, contain- 
ing a combination of alcohol, with a vegetable 
acid, which he drinks. On the next morning he 
finds himself unable to void his urine. If you 
send him to bed, apply warmth, and give him 
Dover's powder, it is not improbable that in the 
course of a few hours, the urine will begin to 
flow. After the lapse of a few hours you give 
him a draught of infusion of senna, and sulphate 
of magnesia, and when this has acted on his 



120 VENEREAL DISEASES. 

bowels, he makes water in a full stream." He 
further says : " The symptoms of retention are 
formidable enough, and not the less so as they 
generally attack the patient suddenly. He is, 
perhaps, sitting with his friend after dinner, and 
feels an inclination to make water ; in attempt- 
ing to do so, however, he is disappointed. A 
second and third attempt is made at different 
intervals, and are without success. Now, how- 
ever, the case assumes a more serious aspect. 
There is an indescribable uneasiness felt in the 
region of the bladder ; the efforts to void the 
urine are no longer voluntary, the patient is 
forced to strain, and the whole of the abdominal 
muscles are seen in convulsive action, instinct- 
ively endeavoring to unload the bladder of its 

contents In the great majority of 

cases the spasms are spontaneously or artificially 
relieved : but there are, nevertheless, numerous 
examples of the contrary, in which the retention 
terminates even in death. The bladder itself 
may be ruptured at the fundus, the urine escap- 
ing into the surrounding cellular membrane and 
into the abdomen." 

Gonorrhoea, and its improper treatment, is 
the cause of stricture of the urethra in a majority 
of cases. Where there is severe inflammation 
along the urethritic canal, during the existence of 
gonorrhoea, there is consequent swelling of its 
surface, and narrowness of its passage, causing 
much difficulty and pain in urinating, and the 



GONORRHOEA. 121 

urine is often retained, notwithstanding the most 
painful and violent efforts to pass it. 

Improper and injudicious use of various in- 
jections, cause strictures ; also, the employment 
of syringes with sharp point, or bougies, catheters, 
or other instruments, with rough jagged surfaces, 
tearing, or lacerating the lining membrane of the 
urethra, producing inflammatory sores, which, 
when healed, leave elevated and thickened scars, 
according to their extent, contracting, and dimin- 
ishing the passage — the same maybe said of 
concealed, or indurated chancres within the 
meatus. The thickening, or induration, of any 
portion of the urethra, in case of stricture, may 
be longitudinal, or confined to a small space, or 
around its circumference, in either case obstruct- 
ing the passage of urine. 

In the early formation, or existence of strict- 
ure, purgatives, leeching of the perineum, gene- 
ral bleeding, w r arm baths, diaphoretics, and 
narcotics, are recommended ; in case of retention, 
if not yielding to their employment, a catheter 
should be introduced to draw off the urine. 

In the more advanced formation of, or per- 
manent stricture, bougies and catheters, from 
small to largest sizes, are from time to time em- 
ployed for dilatation ; also, cauterization, inci- 
sion, etc., with appropriate instruments, are 
sometimes resorted to. Because of much discre- 
tion and caution necessary to the removal and 
cure of stricture, I- shall not prescribe any spe- 
cific mode of treatment for patients of themselves 
11 



122 VENEREAL DISEASES. 

to pursue to effect it ; as it would be attended 
with much risk and danger in any one unskilled, 
incapable, or inexperienced to attempt it. 

Gleet. — A gleet is very often the consequence 
of a chronic, or long standing gonorrhoea, whether 
because obstinate, if neglected, or from wrong 
treatment. A gonorrhoea is not necessarily ob- 
stinate, but often becomes so, through imprud- 
ence, indifference, and inattention to medical 
counsel. Patients indulging and leading an 
irregular life whilst under treatment, (in many 
instances denying it, though fully evident from 
symptoms and circumstances to the physician), 
by their course counteract the best endeavors 
and intentions of the physician, and make their 
situations obstinate, troublesome, and difficult to 
treat, and despite of all remedies, though the 
original symptoms may be much abated, a gleet 
is sure to follow. 

By some gleet is termed a "worn-out clap,' 7 
a very significant term, and the ignorant and 
inexperienced suppose, as suchj it is incapable 
of communicating disease. It is a fallacy and 
error, however, which has been productive of 
much mischief through intercourse with the 
opposite sex. 

Some medical men, I am aware, have encour- 
aged renewal of intercourse between man and 
wife, as well as expressed themselves favorable 
to marriage of parties, either believing in the 
non-contagious character of a gleet — or too soon 

II 



b i n 



GONORRHOEA. 123 



after its disappearance, believing them cured. 
I have been consulted in, and treated, numerous 
cases where parties had been erroneously coun- 
selled, and innocently, on their part, involved in 
disagreeable, unpleasant, and sometimes serious 
situations. No physician is justifiable in sub- 
jecting any one to a risk so long as any un- 
natural discharge exists — whether it be opaque, 
serous, or milky, cream-colored, or yellow, or 
nmco-purulent, and thick, it is unnatural and 
evidence of a diseased condition, and would more 
often be contagious and productive of mischief, 
but for the existence in the female, by nature, 
of a lubricating secretion, covering the lining 
and mucous surfaces of the vaginal parts, pre- 
venting often contact of gleety matter with the 
mucous surfaces, whereby disease would be com- 
municated. 

Gleety discharges are synonymous with blen- 
orrhagic, and produced through various causes 
besides gonorrhoea, and treated differently as re- 
sulting from balanitis, leucorrhea, masturbation, 
etc., but become, in their progress, unhealthy, 
infectious, or contagious. 

A gleet resulting from gonorrhoea, or stricture, 
as a consequence of gonorrhoea, consists of a 
discharge without scalding or pain from uri- 
nating, slight or profuse, dependent upon cir- 
cumstances, from the mouth of the urethra ; 
sometimes of a thin muco-purulent character, 
sometimes thick and glutinous, drying and cover- 
ing the mouth of the urethra, completely closing 



124 VENEREAL DISEASES. 

it, and preventing the escape of urine until re- 
moved, or forcibly passing the urine ; when re- 
moved a drop or more of yellow thick matter 
either voluntarily follows, or when pressed with 
the fingers. The latter conditions are mostly 
observed in the mornings. 

The discharge is not always constant, though 
no remedial means are employed to prevent or 
check it. Ofttimes, though the discharge may 
be colored and continue for a length of time, it 
will change to a watery appearance, and after a 
time entirely cease ; attributable, however, most 
generally to abstaining from intercourse, being 
quiet, absteminous, temperate, and irregular in 
living — but reappearing through intercourse, 
much exercise, imprudence in diet, eating aspara- 
gus, horse-radish, mustard, cayenne-pepper, and 
spices with food, indulgence in wines, malt or 
spirituous liquors, riding on horseback, involun- 
tary night erections, and emissions, use of instru- 
ments during existence of stricture, or other irri- 
tating causes. 

Strictures do not so often co-exist with a gleet 
as is suspected, or as often as represented. They 
are sometimes said to exist, for reasons I cannot 
better explain than is written by S. Durkee, 
M. D., a celebrated author, who says, "Patients 
very often apply to a surgeon to be cured of 
stricture when they have none. They have a 
gleet — the sequence of a gonorrhoea, that has 
been mismanaged by some knavish Quack, who 
has neither medical skill nor moral principle. He 



GONORRHOEA. 125 

tells the man that his gleet is dependent on a 
dangerous stricture, which must be operated upon 
with the catheter or bougie every few days, or 
his urethra will close up, so that he cannot make 
water ; and he promises to cure the poor fellow 
for so much — usually an enormous sum ; whereas, 
upon proper examination of the part no stricture 
can be found." Another celebrated writer, H. 
J. Johnson, M. D., says, " There is a class of 
scoundrels, who live, not by curing strictures, 
but inventing them. Let an unhappy wretch fall 
into their hands, and if his urethra will admit a 
poker, they will persuade him he is strictured. 
The duration of his case will be in the compound 
ratio of the extent of his credulity, and the full- 
ness of his pocket." 

As in gonorrhoea, during its early stages or 
periods, there are also numerous modes of treat- 
ment and a variety of empirical or quackish nos- 
trums recommended for the cure of gleet and 
strictures — which however, in failing to cure 
through delay in tampering and experimenting 
with them, but add to the distress and sufferings 
of the afflicted, prolonging cure by others com- 
petent, and attended with greater loss of time 
and additional cost. 

To cure a gleet, the result of a gonorrhoea or 
stricture, more or less time, perseverance, and 
patience is generally necessary. Various medi- 
cines, as are recommended for gonorrhoea, may 
be employed, but in less doses, in conjunction 
with tonics (the different preparations of iron 
11* 



126 VENEREAL DISEASES. 

mostly preferred) and mild astringent injections. 
At the same time temperate, regular, and ab- 
stemious living is recommended. Stimulating 
drinks and high seasoned food must be avoided, 
as well as too much exercise and fatigue, and 
sexual intercourse is strictly forbidden. Occa- 
sionally, a person having a gleety discharge will 
find it suddenly to disappear, without restraint 
of any kind on his part, or the employment of 
remedial agents ; but such instances are rare, 
and it is extremely doubtful, when occurring, if 
the gleet be the result of a gonorrhoea or not ; 
but arising from one or another of the causes 
producing a blenorrhagic or gleety discharge, as 
before described, or cause unknown and unsus- 
pected at the time. 

Notwithstanding the general characteristic 
obstinacy, and, I may say peculiar freaks, ap- 
pearing and disappearing, of a gleet, from what- 
ever cause, but more particularly from a neglected 
or wrongly treated gonorrhoea; through a long, 
researching, observant, and experienced practice, 
I have succeeded in a plan of treatment curing 
the most obstinate and long-standing cases of 
months and years in less than, or in as many 
weeks. The mode of treatment is particularly 
and peculiarly my own ; and whilst the general 
modes of treatment are effectual apparently, 
after long and tedious treatment, yet, does the 
gleety discharge often from some unknown cause 
relapse, to the great annoyance, dismay, and 
discouragement of the patient ; my mode will be 



GONORRHOEA. 127 

found permanently effectual in a short time, and 
numerous patients have been relieved through 
it, after long periods of anxiety, mental and con- 
stitutional disturbance, and suffering. The ordi- 
nary modes of treatment as recommended, or as 
pursued by others, in cases of gleet or blenor- 
rhagic discharges of a gleety character, failing, 
the afflicted may at all times rely upon prompt 
and effectual cure, either on application at my 
private offices, or through correspondence, with 
full description of existing condition, suspected 
or known causes, giving rise to such condition, 
etc. ; when both medicine and advice will be for- 
warded as may be directed, in consideration of 
a reasonable fee. 



GONORRHOEA IN THE FEMALE. 

Little has been heretofore said of gonorrhoea 
in the female, except naming a few prominent 
symptoms, and advising early treatment, at pages 
102 and 103, under general head of " Symptoms 
of Gonorrhoea." I shall now speak more fully 
of it as existing in the female, its treatment, when 
practicable by herself, and its distinction clearly 
as possible, from other blenorrhagic discharges 
of different character; the cause sometimes of 
undeserved suspicion, censure, domestic discord 
and trouble. 

Itching of whatever parts of the female organs, 
when first affected, is more or less severe, and is 



128 VENEREAL DISEASES. 

followed with much redness, inflammation, and 
swelling, becoming very sensitive and painful, 
even to disable females from sitting or walking. 
When not affecting the urethra, but the neigh- 
boring parts, the inflammation is increased, be- 
cause of irritation produced by the urine during 
the act of micturition (the desire to perform 
which becomes more frequent) being diffused 
over the inflamed surfaces, attended with scald- 
ing and burning sensations. 

On the appearance of gonorrhceal matter, or 
virus, which as before described, is at first of 
an opaque or dark cream color, soon changing 
to a dark yellow, or yellowish green, its dis- 
charge rapidly increases; and when profuse, 
through ignorance of its effects, carelessness or 
uncleanliness, it is permitted to spread over ad- 
jacent parts, reaching the anus or seat, and 
sometimes introduced within it, produces, around 
or within, vesicular eruptions and sores, causing 
much uneasiness of the parts, distressing annoy- 
ance and pain ; and, because of locality and 
other circumstances is troublesome and difficult 
to heal or cure. So, also, in permitting the gon- 
orrhceal discharge to run down on the inside of 
the thighs, producing on the surface similar 
effects and consequences. The importance, there- 
fore, of frequent ablutions and cleanliness from 
the first appearance of the discharge, is manifest 
— the neglect of it must add to increased suf- 
fering. 

Abscesses sometimes arise at some point or 



GONORRHCEA. 129 

other of the organs ; upon the labia the most 
common, and if upon the inner surfaces, are 
very painful and annoying, either in sitting or 
walking, besides troublesome to heal after sup- 
puration. Swellings in the groins, during the 
existence of gonorrhoea, sometimes take place, 
seldom however resulting in suppuration. 

TREATMENT 
OF GONORRHCEA IN THE FEMALE. 

On the earliest indications, or symptoms, of 
gonorrhoea affecting the urethritic passage of the 
female, which may be strongly suspected from 
a tickling sensation along it, and about the 
mouth, and which is much reddened, or slightly 
swollen, and attended with unusual scalding or 
burning heat during and after micturition, suc- 
ceeded with a discharge of gonorrhceal matter 
or virus from it ; sulphate of magnesia (Epsom 
salts), or calcined magnesia alone, or the two 
combined, or other saline aperient medicine, 
should be taken at least every other day, in suffi- 
cient quantity to keep up free action of the 
bowels ; besides, daily three times, on sugar, be- 
fore or after meals, thirty to forty drops of Bal- 
sam Copaiba ; or an even teaspoonful of powdered 
Cubebs in water, syrup, or molasses ; or one or 
other of the medicinal compounds {with the ne- 
cessary precautions) heretofore named, from 
page 106 to 110 inclusive. Females, if employ- 



130 VENEREAL DISEASES. 

ing the latter, should, however, only take one- 
half to two-thirds the quantities directed for 
males, unless of otherwise healthy condition and 
without constitutional derangement. 

Simple diet, rest, and composure, and the free 
use of demulcent and nutritious drinks, as slip- 
pery-elm or flax-seed tea ; barley, rice, gum- 
arabic or toast-water is recommended, particu- 
larly during the existence of an inflammatory 
condition. Baths of lukewarm water are at all 
times beneficial. 

Inflammation of the urethritic canal, unless 
early arrested, frequently extends to the bladder, 
and is generally succeeded with febrile symptoms 
and constitutional disturbance, requiring medi- 
cal counsel ; and I would, by all means, advise it. 

When a gonorrheal discharge is from within 
the vagina (except it is known to be from the 
uterus), the treatment is of a different and local 
character; various injections are chiefly em- 
ployed, and no special remedies or other medi- 
cines, require to be administered or taken inter- 
nally, other than such medicines as may be 
necessary to keep up or maintain an otherwise 
healthy condition of the system. 

If there be much redness, inflammation, or 
swelling of the labia, or other parts, tampons, 
soaked with lead water, should be constantly 
kept between the labia to prevent contact of 
their sides, or within the vaginal entrance ; as 
well as pledgets of lead water constantly applied 
to the parts externally, until the inflammation 



GONORRHCEA. 131 

and swelling is reduced ; if not successful, appli- 
cations of slippery-elm or bread and milk poul- 
tices — or frequent ablutions of warm water will- 
effect it. 

On the appearance of a gonorrhceal discharge 
from within the vagina, particularly if attended 
with a sensation of heat or burning pain in- 
wardly, copious iDJections of a solution of one 
ounce of sugar of lead, with a quarter of an ounce 
of sulphate of zinc in half a gallon of water, re- 
peated three or four times a day for several days, 
or until pain, inflammation, and the discharge 
shall have almost or entirely disappeared, will 
be found very effectual, and may be followed by 
injections of one or other of the following (of 
equal merit, though one or another may be at 
times preferable, which cannot well be deter- 
mined here) ; namely, flax-seed or slippery-elm 
tea; decoctions of marsh mallows, poppy heads, 
or oak bark ; one ounce of alum dissolved in 
half a gallon of water ; two ounces of best pow- 
dered red peruvian bark, boiled ten minutes in 
half a gallon of water, to be used when cold ; a 
quarter ounce of acetate of zinc, dissolved in 
half a gallon of water, etc. 

Should the discharge become offensive, which 
sometimes is the case, previous to the employ- 
ment of any of the foregoing solutions or decoc- 
tions, it is advisable to employ copious and fre- 
quent injections of one and a half ounces solution 
of chloride of sodium, added to half a gallon of 



132 VENEREAL DISEASES. 

water, to be continued until offensiveness be 
removed. 

Copious injections of cold water, in a stoop- 
ing position over a basin or other vessel, should 
always be employed for purposes of removal of 
diseased humors and cleanliness ; to be followed 
with one or another of the injections before re- 
commended, made in a recumbent or lying posi- 
tion, that the fluid injected may be retained for 
five minutes or more each time. 

The largest class, female syringe (glass pre- 
ferred), should be employed ; although not of 
sufficient capacity to contain the desired quantity 
of solution, etc., to be injected — the injection 
should be several times repeated. Half a pint 
or more should at all times be injected, and if a 
metal syringe (half pint in capacity), with long 
curved pipe, or pump syringe be at hand, or can 
be procured, it will be most desirable. 

The foregoing treatment recommended by me, 
must be understood as applicable only to the 
early and acute stages of gonorrhoea, by which 
females with ordinary intelligence and judgment, 
may be able to conduct their own cases. There 
are, however, during the existence and progress 
of the disease in many instances, various circum- 
stances intervening which renders their situations 
critical, and management, treatment and cure 
troublesome, difficult and obstinate. I allude 
to the existence of leucorrheal or other blenor- 
rhagie discharges from other causes than gonor- 
rhoea, simultaneously existing; or even when 



GONORRHOEA. 133 

the disease has been almost subdued, the menses 
appearing when treatment cannot be persisted 
in, and the disease after cessation of the menses, 
recurring with its former violence. There are 
also, other circumstances or conditions, which 
it is unnecessary to name here, existing among 
females, that, except in a few cases only, where 
otherwise the most healthy conditions exist, 
would it be prudent for them to rely upon self- 
management of the disease ; it would, therefore, 
be advisable in most instances to seek medical 
aid. 

To distinguish other blenorrhagic discharges 
from gonorrhoea, to prevent suspicion, or domes^- 
tic troubles, are important. Although not so 
easily done by others as physicians, more familiar 
with the various discharges, I will endeavor to 
point out the differences as clearly as I can ; and 
if I shall succeed in preventing difficulties, whether 
between man and wife, or the single of either 
sex, I shall have gladly accomplished what I 
desire. 

It sometimes happens, because of uncleanli- 
ness, certain secretions, of a white, cheese-like 
appearance, and more or less sticky, are allowed 
to remain and accumulate in the folds of the 
labia or other parts, until producing an irrita- 
tion of the mucous surface ; from which escapes 
a watery or serous fluid, added to the secretions 
named, which, if not checked, increases and 
changes to a dark yellowish appearance. 

A discharge not dissimilar to that just de- 
12 



134 VENEEEAL DISEASES. 

scribed, occurs through improper habits or in- 
dulgences among young females, and in the ab- 
sence of all intercourse. 

A discharge often arises, also, from pruritus, 
or itching of the pudendum ; a complaint which 
will hereafter be noticed. 

Through carelessness and neglect of treatment 
the discharges become darker in color, ichorous, 
and sometimes offensive ; irritating surfaces 
when coming into contact, and creating erup- 
tive sores, which also take on a discharge, and, 
in either case, capable of transmitting similar 
affections through intercourse with the opposite 
sex, although neither may ever previously have 
cohabited with others, (this frequently happens, 
giving rise to much trouble between newly mar- 
ried couples and their friends.) Various symp- 
toms attendant upon genuine ; gonorrhoea, are 
mostly wanting in the discharges just referred 
to. Further remarks in relation to them, with 
advice, as to treatment, etc., will be found in 
preceding pages, under the heads of Spermator- 
rhea, Blenorrhagia, and Balanitis. 

Discharges also arise from various causes, per 
vagina, from the uterus, under circumstances re- 
quiring special medical attention ; it will, there- 
fore, be useless for me here to designate them, 
or add anything further in relation to them, ex- 
cept to say they occur among the unimpregnated 
and virtuous, single or married. 

Leucorrhcea in females, vulgarly called "the 
whites," are the most liable to create unfounded 



SYPHILIS. 135 

suspicions, but mostly with the ignorant. Leu- 
corrheal discharges are common to the virtuous, 
single or married ; even existing in childhood, 
and, through their continuance, ofttimes chang- 
ing from their original color, milkish white or 
creamish, to a dark yellow, with greenish tinge, 
similar to gonorrheal matter. The leading 
symptoms and results of the latter are mostly 
wanting, however, in the former, and afford 
reasonable grounds for distinction. 



In conclusion of this subject, I will remind both 
sexes of what I have heretofore so strongly urged, ob- 
serving which, they may be candidly assured the hun- 
dredth part of these troubles, as well as anxiety and suf- 
ferings which heretofore existed, will be avoided ; I mean, 
" the importance of cleanliness, early and efficient coun- 
sel and treatment." 



SYPHILIS, 
VULGARLY CALLED " THE POX." 

As some writers confound the term " Syphilis" 
in such a manner as to make it appear synony- 
mous with gonorrhoea or "clap," or obscure its 
meaning, leaving the reader in doubt as to what 
is truly meant by it, I wish to be understood, that 
there is a positive difference between the "clap" 
and "pox," — "gonorrhoea" and "syphilis;" 
both contracted through venery (venereal indul- 
gences, from whence the comprehensive term 
"venereal diseases"); the virus, or matter, of 



136 VENEREAL DISEASES. 

either differing, and producing, from the first of 
them, contagious influences, symptoms, effects, 
and results totally different, and requiring differ- 
ent treatment. 

Without arguing or theorizing upon technical 
terms or differences, for professional distinction ; 
to make myself intelligible and understood to the 
afflicted and unfortunate, particularly, I shall use 
the term " syphilis," as designating " the pox," 
and nothing else ; leaving gonorrhoea, or u clap," 
to be understood as I have treated of it, so that 
in regard to difference between the two, no one 
can scarcely mistake in the perusal of this small 
work. 

Syphilis, then, is to be understood as consti- 
tuting another of that class of diseases called 
" venereal;" which, with few exceptions, is con- 
tracted by both sexes, through sexual inter- 
course ; the syphilitic virus, or matter of the 
sores, or chancres of one, coming into contact 
with the mucous surfaces of the genitals of an- 
other, is absorbed, and is thereby transmitted or 
conveyed. The exceptions alluded to, are those 
who, without such intercourse, yet having upon 
their hands or persons, abrasions, eruptions, or 
sores of different characters, being engaged in 
dressing syphilitic sores, chancres, or suppurat- 
ing buboes of another, unobserved, or carelessly 
get upon their hands the matter or virus ; and 
unknowingly, or accidentally, brings it into con- 
tact with such sores, etc. , which is quickly ab- 
sorbed, and in a very short time manifests itself, 



SYPHILIS. 137 

or appears in the secondary form or stage of 
syphilis. 

The same consequences result also to per- 
sons themselves with chancres, under similar cir- 
cumstances, of matter unobserved upon their fin- 
gers, and with one or the other picking their teeth, 
or nose ; rubbing their eyes or scratching them, 
and lodging a small quantity of the virus from 
the fingers upon the edges of the eyelids, or 
some portion of the eye ; the loss of an eye is 
sometimes the consequence in a very short time. 

That the disease can be transmitted by the 
virus in contact with the natural, healthy, and 
unbroken surface of the skin, is doubtful, and 
not generally admitted by the profession ; where 
it is supposed to have occurred, it is more than 
probable that there existed at the time fissures 
or cracks of the skin, or slight abrasions unob- 
served within the folds, through which the virus 
was conveyed. 

From the disposition many have, for reasons 
known to themselves only, to conceal the true 
manner of contracting the disease (particularly 
if through illicit intercourse), other causes are 
named or suggested by them, such as lying be- 
tween sheets, where others had previously lain ; 
lying with another diseased, and during sleep 
coming in contact ; or from virus left upon the 
seat of a water-closet ; or from using the same 
chamber-pot, etc. Such suggestions are how- 
ever, generally received with allowances among 
physicians. It is better at all times for patients, 
12* 



138 VENEREAL DISEASES. 

however situated in life, whatever their position 
or occupation, whether male or female, single or 
married, and at whatever age, they should freely 
and candidly acknowledge all (if they had sus- 
picious intercourse) to their physician ; particu- 
larly if he be inexperienced, that little doubt may 
be involved in his mind as to the true character 
of their disease, and he be the more certain and 
better governed in its treatment. The practical, 
observant, and experienced physician cannot be 
easily misled or deceived, and observes a most 
prudent rule in not leaving doubt, or doubtful 
representations to control him ; but acting upon 
his better judgment, treats his case as he sees, 
believes, or knows it to exist. 

The ignorant Quack and impostor (to whom 
many unfortunately and unsuspectingly apply), 
incapable of judging of, or distinguishing be- 
tween syphilitic or other eruptions and sores 
upon the genitals, or any portion of the body, 
and equally incapable of treating either ; blindly 
leads his patient (more properly " victim") on 
to a chance, or with positive promises of cure so 
long as he may be in receipt of pay or fee, how- 
ever inconsiderable. Thus, I may say, he crimi- 
nally drags his victim on to an almost irrecover- 
able condition, and sometimes past recovery; pre- 
ceded with months or years of misery, suffering, 
and the horrors of a disease illicitly, immorally, 
or otherwise contracted, fancied and pictured in 
his mind, added to curses against the impostor 
or Quack, the instrument of his loathsome, dis- 



SYPHILIS. 139 

tressed and hopeless condition. When not end- 
ing in premature death, he finds his constitution 
so broken down, prostrated and enfeebled, as to 
make life itself a burthen, and death is sometimes 
prayed for to terminate his sufferings. This is 
no overdrawn picture ; I sincerely regret I should 
ever have seen or known of so many instances 
of human misery and suffering, from causes as 
represented. 

Whilst I shall give a brief history of the pro- 
gress of syphilis, or "pox," in as plain and in- 
telligible a manner as I can, from its beginning 
through its various stages, and its final results, 
I shall only advise treatment in its primary or 
early period ; and do so with a view of discour- 
aging and deterring patients, as much as possi- 
ble, after the 'primary stage of it, from attempt- 
ing, or placing too much reliance, through de- 
lusive hope in being able to cure themselves (not- 
withstanding all published treatment, which is 
sometimes done by impostors purposely to exag- 
gerate the conditions of patients in anticipation 
of larger fees) ; or from tampering with quack 
medicines, or quack Doctors, and through disap- 
pointment, loss of time, and wrong treatment, 
bring upon themselves the consequences as be- 
fore described. 

Syphilis, when running into, as well as during, 
and after the secondary stage, requires in treat- 
ment much discretion and judgment on the part 
of a physician ; and even he, unless he has had 
the benefit of considerable experience and obser- 



140 VENEREAL DISEASES. 

vation, will often be much disappointed in his 
efforts, and is ofttimes baffled. 

PRIMARY SYPHILIS, OR CHANCRE. 

From one to ten days after intercourse, primary 
syphilis manifests itself, by the appearance upon 
some part of the mucous surface of the genera- 
tive or genital organs of either sex, of one or 
more pimples or pustules, containing the syphilitic 
virus, which being absorbed forms the nucleus, 
for what afterwards terminates in the syphilitic 
sore or chancre. Through the suppuration of 
the pustules, there are caused as many separate 
or distinct chancres, or if close and approximat- 
ing each other, run into one. These are usually 
designated as the primary sores or chancres, and 
as constituting the primary stage of syphilis, or 
"pox." 

It is at this period when the progress of the 
disease may be often arrested by persons them- 
selves under prescribed treatment ; but there are 
instances where persons of peculiar idiosyn- 
cracies, temperament, habits, or constitutions, 
susceptibilities to contagious or infectious dis- 
eases, etc., will resist all ordinary means, and 
after much trouble in their treatment, will oft- 
times run into the secondary stage despite of all 
efforts to prevent it, before a favorable impres- 
sion can be made. Under proper treatment, 
however, these cases are afterward manageable, 
and can be effectually cured. 



SYPHILIS. 141 

When a chancre is once fully established and 
developed, the ulceration either spreading on 
the surface or penetrating, in the absence of 
much inflammation, an escharotic of some kind 
should be applied to the surface of it without 
delay. If much inflammation of the surrounding 
part affected exist, it is advisable, first, to reduce 
it by the application of slippery elm, or bread 
and milk poultices. The escharotics in general 
use, and to be preferred, are the Nitrate of Silver 
(lunar caustic), Yienna paste, or caustic potass. 
After the application of either, an eschar or 
scab, is produced upon the surface of the chancre, 
which, after a time, falls off, or is easily re- 
moved ; after which pledgets of fine linen or 
muslin, frequently moistened with one or other 
of the solutions or applications hereafter named, 
should be kept constantly applied, in such man- 
ner as to prevent contact of diseased parts with 
opposite surfaces ; the pledgets to be removed 
two or three times a day, and clean or fresh 
ones substituted, kept moistened or wet with 
either of the solutions recommended, and applied 
as before. Should the pledget be dry and stick 
to the sore, it should be made perfectly wet and 
soft with water, to prevent bleeding on its re- 
moval. 

The following are the solutions, or applica- 
tions, referred to : 

Take of 

Sulphate of Zinc, 

Sulphate of Morphia — each 3 grains. 

Dissolve in two ounces (half a gill) rose or fresh water. 



142 VENEREAL DISEASES. 

Take of 

Acetate of Zinc 4 grains. 

Aqueous Extract of Opium 10 u 

Dissolve in two ounces of rose or fresh water. 

Take of 

Sulphate of Zinc 3 grains. 

Tannin 10 « 

Dissolve in two ounces of rose or fresh water. 

Take of 

Ammoniated Iron and Alum 10 grains. 

Dissolve in two ounces of rose or fresh water. 



In the absence of inflammation, and the sur- 
face of a chancre presenting a healthy appear- 
ance, the application of aromatic wine will prove 
very soothing and healing. 

A single application of an escharotic in the 
beginning may not always be sufficient, and a 
second or third may be necessary at intervals, 
after applying one or the other of the solutions 
recommended, for a couple of days ; and especi- 
ally if the chancre be indolent, that is, not dis- 
posed to heal, and apparently getting neither 
better nor worse; and after taking on renewed 
action, to be followed with one or the other of 
the solutions named. 

From the beginning, it is also recommended, 
a teaspoonful of the following be taken in any 
quantity of water, twice a day, at any hour be- 
tween meals. 



SYPHILIS. 143 

Take Iodide of Potass 4 drachms (J oz.) 

Dissolve in two ounces of distilled water, and add two 
ounces of Tincture of Colombo, or Quassia, or Peruvian 
Bark, or Wine Bitters. 

Any of the foregoing may be procured from 
respectable Druggists. 

During treatment, as just recommended, the 
condition of the system requires attention. A 
nourishing and wholesome diet is necessary; the 
natural strength of the constitution must be sup- 
ported, and a healthy condition of the system 
otherwise maintained. In case of debility, or 
prostration from whatever cause, various tonics 
should be employed, and moderate indulgence in 
stimulating drinks. 

Thus far only can I prudently, and in justice 
to patients, without risk or danger, advise treat- 
ment of their own cases ; still, however, as little 
can be gained or saved pecuniarily by persons 
treating themselves, having mostly to pay very 
dearly for medicines, and even then run the risk 
of obtaining them pure or of good quality ; be- 
sides, the risk of their being properly prepared, 
making their efficacy doubtful ; I believe it would 
be most advisable, when practicable, at first, to 
seek competent medical assistance ; besides, there 
are conditions, or circumstances, existing with 
one another, requiring, in connection, other ad- 
ditional attention, making it impossible, in the 
primary stage, to succeed in curing by one pre- 
scribed, uniform course of treatment, in all in- 
stances. After the primary stage it would be 



144 VENEREAL DISEASES. 

unsafe and injudicious for patients to attempt 
treatment of their own cases, and I shall not, 
therefore, prescribe any specific course to be 
pursued; because, of numerous changes occur- 
ring among individuals from causes not always 
previously known during the progress of the dis- 
ease, but afterward sometimes learned or dis- 
covered, and requiring different treatment, de- 
pendent upon those causes ; hence, the serious 
and lamentable results in so many cases, from 
the employment of Quackish remedies or treat- 
ment ; in other words, the taking of the same 
Quack medicine, as a "cure all," in all stages of 
the disease, and under all circumstances ; or, the 
same continued course of treatment '.? at all 
times/' by some Quack, without change, because 
knowing no other. 

Besides primary syphilitic chancre, as de- 
scribed and treated of, there are other varieties ; 
sometimes rapid in their progress, obstinate in 
character as to treatment, and often from vari- 
ous causes, resulting in serious constitutional dis- 
turbance and injury ; thus forbidding the idea 
or folly of persons attempting to cure themselves, 
or losing time in tampering, or experimenting 
with quackish specifics. 

Indurated Chancre. — This form of chancre 
commences by thickening and hardening of the 
edge, somewhat elevated at first, of a pearl 
color, and cartilaginous appearance, soon ex- 
tending over the whole or greater portion of 



SYPHILIS. 145 

the original chancre, and hiding from view its 
ulcerated base, notwithstanding ulceration is 
still going on underneath, but slowly ; it is now 
elastic, and yielding to pressure with the finger 
upon it, and without pain ; but sooner or later, 
because of its hardened covering, with an ulcer- 
ated condition confined underneath, inflamma- 
tion and suppuration follows, or if not, mortifi- 
cation commences its work, when febrile and 
other symptoms arise, requiring prompt treat- 
ment. 

Phagadenic Chancre ; so-called, when in- 
stead of the primary chancre extending in depth 
through ulceration, it extends superficially over 
portions of the mucous, or other surfaces of the 
genital organs, sometimes circular, oval, or ir- 
regular in shape, with its edge inclining inward, 
presenting an hemmed appearance ; the surface 
is covered with a somewhat thin, yellowish, 
ichorous matter, penetrating through which may 
be seen grayish or transparent vesicles, besides 
elevated spots, resembling granulations, alto- 
gether making the base rough and uneven. 
There is also existing more or less inflamma- 
tion and irritation of the surface, making it very 
sensitive and painful to the touch. 

Serpiginous, or Creeping Chancre. — This 
is of similar character and appearance of the 
former, but in progress of ulceration of the sur- 
face, pursues a winding or serpentine course. 
13 



146 VENEREAL DISEASES. 

Gangrenous Chancre. — From various causes 
the former described chancre becomes very much 
inflamed and irritable, swollen and painful, giv- 
ing rise to a febrile condition, nervousness, head- 
ache, etc. The surface of the chancre instead 
of being covered with a thin yellowish matter, 
now is covered with a thick, tenacious slough, 
shreds of which are thrown off, and underneath 
exposes a somewhat dark, blackish appearance 
— sloughing and gangrene, or mortification fol- 
low, and if not early arrested there is great de- 
struction of the parts. There is now much 
prostration of the system, constitutional disturb- 
ance, fever, cold night-sweats, etc., and if not 
early relieved the worst consequences may be 
anticipated. 

Urethral, or Concealed Chancre. — This 
must not be understood as constituting a special 
variety of chancre, not heretofore treated of. 
Its title is simply explanatory of its' locality, be* 
ing within the urethra, often not within sight, 
and sometimes located immediately within the 
mouth. It is however, of much importance to 
refer to it ; as when concealed, through ignor- 
ance of persons, or carelessness when applied 
to by a patient, in not discriminating; mistaking 
the discharge from a chancre for a gonorrhoea, 
he is treated for the latter, and sooner or later 
a syphilitic bubo appears, and also secondary 
syphilis; or the mistake is not discovered until 
the point of the penis has been completely eaten 



SYPHILIS. 147 

away in its circumference, and within the urethra 
from its mouth, sufficiently large to take in a 
large sized pea, or even larger sometimes. 

Frequently, patients suspecting something 
wrong, having had a gonorrhoea as was sup- 
posed (the discharge having ceased from the 
urethra, and thought cured by others, or them- 
selves) ; have applied to me with swellings in the 
groins, eruptions of various kinds on different 
portions of their bodies, and other unusual indi- 
cations, which, after investigation proved to be 
syphilitic ; and ofttimes, and to their astonish- 
ment were undeniably in the secondary stage of 
syphilis. In most of those cases I discovered 
upon inquiry, astringent injections had been 
used by them, or given and prescribed by others, 
for gonorrhoea; which, in case of chancre, simply 
has the effect of drying up or healing superfi- 
cially, and not capable of destroying syphilitic 
virus which is left in the cellular tissues under- 
neath the healed surface, to be introduced and 
conveyed through the system. The foregoing 
further shows the importance of applying, at all 
times, to a competent, as well as an experienced 
medical adviser. 



CHANCRES IN THE FEMALE. 

In consequence of the greater extent of sur- 
face of the female organs exposed to the liability 
of contracting syphilis than in the male, more 



148 VENEREAL DISEASES. 

chancres are oft found to exist at one time in 
the former than the latter. Chancres among 
females sometimes exist without their knowledge 
for some days or weeks, because of little or no 
pain accompanying, and being often hidden from 
sight, because of their locality ; being unob- 
served, and originating as often within the labia 
and vagina as upon the external surfaces or parts. 
When originating internally and extending mostly 
superficially in their progress, reaching the ex- 
ternal folds or edges of the vulva or labia, or 
when originating upon external parts, they are 
soon discovered because of urine often being dif- 
fused over them whilst micturating, causing a 
smarting and burning sensation, as well as pro- 
ducing much irritation, inflammation, and swell- 
ing ; which, unless early arrested, leads to sup- 
puration and sloughing of the parts, attended 
with fever, prostration, and constitutional dis- 
turbance. 

Deep ulceration from chancres is not so com- 
mon in females as in males, nor are indurated 
chancres so frequent. 

Syphilis from the beginning in the female 
varies little, under all circumstances, in its course 
and consequences from the male ; treatment in 
the beginning or primary stage, in most in- 
stances, are the same in both sexes also, and to 
particularize further, or to recommend any par- 
ticular course of treatment here, would be but a 
repetition of what has been already said on 
former pages. 



SYPHILIS. 149 

In the female the locality of chancres is most 
generally upon the vulva or labia, the external 
edges or inner sides, the internal surfaces of the 
vagina, or at the mouth of the uterus. 

BUBO. 

Buboes are generally considered as belonging 
to the primary stage of syphilis, but exist quite 
as often in the secondary, though originating 
sometimes immediately before the secondary 
stage has been developed. To patients, how- 
ever, it is of little importance whether they be- 
long to the first or second stage, as their greatest 
anxiety is to be rid and cured of them. 

All buboes are not necessarily venereal, but 
they most frequently perhaps, are the result of 
syphilis and gonorrhoea ; swellings in the groins 
of either sex often occur from a variety of other 
causes, which, in so small a work cannot here be 
detailed, and create sometimes much suspicion 
as to their real character. Swellings in the 
groins are generally called buboes, and great 
caution is necessary in discriminating between 
venereal buboes and others ; as, besides the un- 
founded suspicions, mortifying to, and produc- 
ing mischief among innocent parties, the treat- 
ment of the respective characters of buboes or 
swellings, is different. 

A venereal bubo originally arises from inflam- 
mation consequent upon chancres or urethral 
inflammation, and sores often arising upon some 
13* 



150 VENEREAL DISEASES. 

portion of an elongated prepuce, from a gon- 
orrhoea, and sometimes succeeds and co-exists 
with Phymosis and Paraphymosis ; the inflam- 
mation from either follows the course of the 
lymphatics and absorbents underneath the skin, 
until reaching the glands in the groins, which 
also take on inflammation and swelling ; if not 
early arrested or checked, the bubo sometimes 
increases to such size as to interfere with walk- 
ing ; increasing in inflammation, it also becomes 
very painful, and suppuration takes place, mostly 
accompanied with fever, prostration, night- 
sweats, etc., until relieved upon being opened, 
when, from a gill to a half pint of suppurative 
matter is discharged. A large cavity is thus 
left, and an extensive exposed opening, through 
the destruction from suppuration of the parts; 
which, in some cases, heal rapidly, while others 
may be more slow, troublesome and difficult to 
heal ; sometimes are obstinate, and months trans- 
pire before healing, and then only through much 
care and skilful management. 

Buboes seldom exist in both groins at the 
same time, and when existing, one progresses 
more rapidly and suppurates before the other, 
and through suppuration and succeeding treat- 
ment, one will often exhaust and dissipate the 
other. A bubo from observation has been 
mostly found to arise in the groin, corresponding 
with the side of the penis upon which a chancre 
or sore is located. If on the frenum or bridle 
however, or from gonorrhoea! urethritic inflam- 



SYPHILIS. 151 

mation, there seems to be no distinction, appear- 
ing on either side; sometimes both, but very 
seldom. 

A bubo from gonorrhoea seldom suppurates — 
from syphilis more frequently, unless very early 
checked, though despite of all early precautions 
and treatment, a syphilitic bubo will sometimes 
run its course, suppurating, etc. 

Buboes are much less common among females 
than males ; nor are they always consequent 
upon chancres existing in a greater proportion 
than one-third, or perhaps a fourth. 

Upon the first indication of bubo, when there 
is slight pain, inflammation and enlargement, or 
swelling of a gland in the groin on either side 
or both, it is important its progress should be 
arrested as soon as possible. This may generally 
be accomplished by the constant application, for 
a couple of days, of pledgets steeped in cold 
water, or lead water ; if no lessening of the pain, 
or inflammation, or reduction of the swelling is 
effected, compression may be made by means of 
an oval wood pad covered with some soft mate- 
rials, immediately over the prominence of the 
swelling, and firmly retained in that position, in 
some manner to be devised by the patient in the 
absence of a regular pad and bandages made 
expressly for the purpose. Compression being 
ineffectual after several days, it is advised to 
blister or paint the surface of the bubo, morning 
and evening, for two or three days, with tincture 



152 VENEREAL DISEASES. 

of iodine. The application of the iodine iD the 
beginning is generally preferred. 

During either of the applications, quiet, com- 
posure, and rest in a recumbent position, to- 
gether with a nourishing and wholesome diet is 
recommended. Ordinarily, incipient bubo, still 
hard and without any indication of suppuration, 
unless taking place very deeply, or is evinced by 
softness at some point on the surface, is some- 
times arrested in its course ; at other times de- 
spite all means, efforts or attempts to check it, 
proves unavailing ; why it is so, is dependent 
upon various causes and circumstances connected 
with patients, as has been before named, during 
the existence of other complaints or diseases. 

The bubo when increasing in size and inflam- 
mation, the surface becoming much reddened, 
shining, and very painful, soft and yielding upon 
pressure, and suppuration going on, it should, 
as quickly as possible, receive medical attention ; 
that by some means (opening with a lancet gene- 
rally made) the suppurative matter may be allowed 
to escape, to prevent as much as possible de- 
struction of the parts, and also prevent a chance 
of constitutional taint or disease, through absorp- 
tion of the matter, which is conceded to be in- 
fectious also. 

SECONDARY SYPHILIS. 

There is much discrepancy among medical 
men as to the development of the second stage 



SYPHILIS. 153 

of syphilis ; it sometimes immediately succeeds 
the primary, at other times not appearing for 
weeks or months (and even years, according to a 
few writers of some practical experience and ob- 
servation), after the apparent cure of chancre, 
etc., or of the primary stage ; — thus showing 
the farther necessity of competent medical coun- 
sel, when it can be obtained, even in the begin- 
ning, that with the advantage of experience, and 
a proper discernment of the habits and peculiar 
conditions of patients, treatment adapted accord- 
ingly in each case, may be the more effectual, 
and the disease be permanently eradicated from 
the system. 

Simply removing the inflammation and heal- 
ing of a syphilitic sore 'or chancre, etc., in the 
primary stage, as speedily as possible, and pro- 
nouncing a patient cured, as is the practice of 
some, and Quacks especially, to obtain the (false) 
reputation of "effecting speedy cures," is but in 
reality burying for a time the syphilitic virus ; 
and is generally taken up by the blood and dif- 
fused through the system, to manifest or develop 
itself after a shorter or longer period, by blotches 
or eruptions on different portions of the body, 
by inflamed and ulcerated throat and tonsils, 
inflammation, pain and swelling of the joints, etc. 

As regards the development of the secondary 
stage, the latency between the primary and 
secondary, and among other contingencies, the 
treatment of the primary stage ; I cannot more 
fully, explicitly, and briefly express myself, than 



154 VENEREAL DISEASES. 

as Dr. Silas Durkee expresses himself, who writes 
as follows : 

" There are so many differences in the con- 
stitution of patients, such diversities of treatment 
for the cure of the original accident, so many 
varying circumstances, in which the individuals 
implicated are placed, such dissimilarities in 
their personal habits and occupations, such gra- 
dations, fluctuations and extremes of climate, 
and such changes in the seasons of the same 
latitude or region, that it is impossible to deter- 
mine what is the natural term of latency, which 
the modified syphilitic virus would observe. The 
primitive unadulterated venereal poison, that 
which generates the chancre, obeys a nearly 
uniform law of incubation ; but the diluted ele- 
ment, that which has been incorporated into the 
blood, appears to be subject to many contingen- 
cies, that have a direct control over it in pro- 
ducing its visible effects upon the constitution. 
Sex has something to do with the interval be- 
tween the primary lesion and the consecutive 
manifestations. The latter developments ap- 
pear at an earlier day in women than in men." 

Symptoms op Secondary Syphilis ; — briefly 
described from their earliest development, to 
give the reader an idea of the horrors of the dis- 
ease and its consequences as it progresses, with- 
out prescribing treatment ; for reasons stated at 
pages 139, 143, 144, and 147. 

Secondary syphilis is developed upon the sur 



SYPHILIS. 155 

face of the body, and affects the eyes, nose, 
mouth and throat, with more or less of a febrile 
condition mostly existing, and constitutional 
effects always accompanying. Yarious erup- 
tions and ulcerated sores appear upon the 
skin, and other parts named, differing in cha- 
racter, and appearing at different periods, as 
follows: 

Roseola ; — appearing in reddish and copper- 
colored spots, at first upon the skin ; when 
numerous, as in measles, approximating very 
closely, they sometimes run into and form patches 
of various sizes ; changing afterward to a pale 
yellow color, and eventually disappearing leave 
the surface of a natural color. They are most 
common upon the abdomen (belly), the lower 
extremities, back, shoulders, arms, and forehead. 
They are of long and short duration, disappear- 
ing from one locality and appearing at another, 
and sometimes disappearing altogether, and re- 
appearing at intervals of weeks and months. 
Eruptions almost similar to the foregoing, appear- 
ing from syphilis, often follow the use of Balsam 
Copaiba ; but may be distinguished from syphi- 
litic, as not running into patches, nor covering 
so large surfaces ; but are scattered, attended 
with much itching, and disappear upon ceasing 
the use of the balsam. Syphilitic roseola is 
attended with but little, seldom any itching sen- 
sation. 



156 VENEREAL DISEASES. 

Yesicular Eruptions ; — appear in small and 
elevated pustules containing a limpid matter or 
fluid, generally absorbed or drying up, leaving 
behind copper-colored spots upon the skin ; 
eventually they disappear altogether, but only 
to add to the further progress of the syphilitic 
taint of the system, and to be manifested in an- 
other form or phase. 

Papular Eruptions ; — appear in small ele- 
vated sores upon the skin, at first hard and of a 
coppery color ; they appear mostly in clusters, 
so close as to run into one another and form one 
large superficial eruption; thin whitish scales 
form over them, which get rubbed or fall off, and 
are succeeded from time to time by others. They 
sometimes suppurate and become very sore. 
Their first appearance is generally upon the ab- 
domen, though their locality is not always con- 
fined to any particular portions of the surface 
of the body. On the soles of the feet, the palms 
of the hand, and inner surface of the fingers, 
they take on a different appearance ; increasing 
to the size of a half pea and become very hard, 
even horny and crustaceous ; they sometimes 
crack and fissures are created, into which fluids 
of any kind entering, causes much irritation, 
soreness, and pain. Papular eruptions also ap- 
pear upon the head, generally dry or scaly on 
the surface, and very seldom suppurate. In 
fact, suppuration seldom takes place in this 
form of eruption, except among individuals of 
bad or broken-down constitutions. 



SYPHILIS. 151 

Syphilitic Pustules; — appear numerously 
upon different parts of the body, small, red, and 
elevated ; they contain a yellowish matter or 
serum — ulcerate and run into sores with hard 
and elevated edges, and extend to a large size, 
mostly round shaped. From the commencement 
of a pustule to ulcerate, the matter exuding and 
drying, forms a scab over its entire surface ; the 
secretion of matter going on underneath, de- 
posits and thickens upon the under surface of 
the scab, forcing it outward to the height of a 
quarter, sometimes a half inch above the sur- 
rounding surface ; even whilst thus increasing in 
height, ulceration is going on under the sur- 
rounding surface, beyond the circumference of 
the sore or scab. It is no exaggeration, when 
I say here, I have seen instances, and cured them 
too, where the outward surface of the body was 
covered with them, varying in size from a quar- 
ter to one inch or more in diameter, and spaces 
between not exceeding two inches, and in some 
localities not half an inch from each other. They 
often appear on the head, and are (if possible) 
more annoying and troublesome, because of the 
hair. Daring treatment they will sometimes 
heal entirely underneath the scab, which, falling 
off, discovers cicatrization, reddened on the sur- 
face, and the healed parts depressed and pitted. 
At other times when the scab falls off, or is 
accidentally removed, an unhealthy deep ulcer- 
ated sore is presented, troublesome, often obsti- 
nate and difficult to heal. 
14 



158 VENEREAL DISEASES. 

Syphilitic Tubercles ; — one form is desig- 
nated " mucous," because mostly appearing upon 
the mucous surfaces of the genitals, upon the 
lips, within the mouth, on the tonsils, the verge 
of the anus, etc. ; although no portion of the 
exterior of the body is exempt from them. 

The mucous tubercles are flattened and irregu- 
lar in shape, appear isolated or in groups and 
clusters ; pale red in the beginning, growing 
much darker, and secreting an acrid, irritating 
pus of an offensive odor ; and when a number 
of tubercles closely approximate each other, the 
pus being diffused, forms patches varying in 
size to the extent of the group ; presenting 
on the entire surface small, elevated, and united 
granulations, resembling the raspberry. The 
mammae (breasts), the scrotum, and parts sur- 
rounding the anus, are as often the seat of this 
form of tubercles as the mucous surfaces. 

Another form, more generally isolated, ap- 
pears without any special locality on the body ; 
which is at first hard, elevated, round or conical 
shaped, usually growing to the size of a large 
pea, and often much larger ; when they become 
much reddened, inflamed, and soft, they secrete 
a very offensive pus, which, sometimes drying 
and contracting, forms hard dark colored scabs, 
upon their surface ; at other times deep excava- 
tions are made through ulcerations, which much 
disfigures the parts affected, as on the forehead, 
on the nose, or other portions of the face. 



SYPHILIS. 159 

Syphilitic Ulcerations within the mouth, 
throat, nose, and of the eyes, occur also in the 
secondary stage of the disease ; — upon the in- 
side of the cheeks, on the gums, tongue, and 
lips ; the ulcerations are often preceded by small 
white patches of film, and when extending or 
spreading over the mucous surface run into each 
other, forming large patches of irregular shape. 
Superficial ulceration follows, somewhat of a 
phagadenic character, before described ; but 
sometimes extends in depth, causing some de- 
struction to the parts affected. The tonsils and 
uvula often become much swollen and inflamed, 
followed by ulceration and sloughing ; and when 
taking place, as also of the pharynx and throat, 
serious consequences may be apprehended ; if 
within the nose, destruction to a greater or less 
extent is sure to follow ; and, if of the eye, the 
destruction is oft complete before it can be 
arrested. 

Ulcerations of the parts just named, as often 
results from mercurial treatment of syphilis in 
its earlier periods, as from syphilis itself; and 
in very many instances, follows the employment 
of various nostrums and preparations often con- 
taining mercury, referred to at page 111. If 
the afflicted and unfortunate would ofttimes but 
reflect a little, they would of themselves be con- 
vinced of the fallacy of any one particular pre- 
paration, being a specific in such a variety of 
diseases, as named by the proprietors or manu- 
facturers of them ; and by not tampering, experi- 



160 VENEREAL DISEASES. 

menting with, or trying them, they would, be* 
sides, save much time, money, and additional 
suffering. 

Loss of Hair, — from secondary or constitu- 
tional syphilis is common. Various eruptions, 
as appear on other parts, also appear upon the 
scalp ; even at an earlier period there is ofttimes 
a formation of scurf, scaly eruptions and small 
papula upon the head, secreting a pulpy, tena- 
cious and yellowish matter, which as thrown out 
sometimes dries upon their apex or top, form- 
ing soft scabs, or overruns their original base, 
creating larger and troublesome sores; the hair 
coming out from the parts affected, producing 
partial baldness. Sometimes the entire sur- 
face of the scalp is divested of hair, because of 
numerous eruptions, etc., with inflammation sur- 
rounding them, causing the hair to become dry 
and crisp, and either breaking off at its base or 
falling away entirely. The loss of hair of the eye- 
brows, eyelashes, and of other parts besides the 
scalp, also occurs, but not so frequent. By 
means of various applications after the syphilitic 
taint is destroyed, the hair can most generally 
be restored. The finger and toe nails are also 
sometimes affected, becoming horny, brittle, and 
breaking away in particles, not admitting of cut- 
ting or trimming as usual. 



SYPHILIS. 161 



TERTIARY SYPHILIS, OR THIRD 
STAGE . 

From the past brief and condensed descrip- 
tion of primary and secondary syphilis, it will 
be perceived the mucous membranes and sur- 
faces, the skin and soft parts of the body, are 
mainly affected ; whilst in the tertiary stage, be- 
sides affecting the muscular or soft parts, there 
are involved cartilages and ligaments, the heart, 
liver, lungs, brain, the osseous portions (bones) 
of the body, the periosteum (fibrous membrane or 
covering of the bones), etc. 

Tertiary syphilis is not so frequently met with 
as secondary, and is most generally ascribed to 
delay, wrong and improper treatment, or as re- 
sulting from the use of mercury in earlier periods 
of the disease ; predisposing at all times to the 
development of tertiary symptoms and effects, 
particularly among scrofulous persons, or others 
subjected to cold, damp, and exposure, or among 
persons of irregular and dissipated habits, or 
feeble and broken-down constitutions. Syphilis 
seldom attains to the third stage except from 
circumstances named, and is then difficult and 
obstinate in treatment or cure ; but where other- 
wise, as sometimes happens, is generally con- 
trollable and can be cured. 

Persons under mercurial treatment for syphilis 
at any stage, may seemingly be cured (and some- 
14* 



162 VENEREAL DISEASES. 

times may be) ; but it has been satisfactorily 
ascertained by myself and numerous others of 
the medical profession of extensive experience, 
observation, and practice, that whilst mercury 
may produce an alterative effect, and somewhat 
abate the symptoms, or apparently cure the dis- 
ease, that it is but temporary ; not specificially 
destroying the virus, but lurking in the system, 
and after weeks, months, and even years, breaks 
out with renewed and increased violence in a 
tertiary form mostly, from some exciting or pre- 
disposing cause as mentioned in previous sections. 
Tertiary symptoms as affecting the osseous 
portions, most' generally, first affects those bones 
least protected with muscle, or other integument- 
ary or membranous coverings ; being most liable 
through various causes to inflammation of the 
periosteum and the mucous or cellular tissues, 
giving rise to what are called nodes, caries, and 
necrosis ; resulting ofttimes in the partial or 
total destruction of the bones attacked. 'No 
bones are exempt from the effects of tertiary 
syphilis. Of those referred to are the cranium or 
skull ; the vertebral, behind the posterior portion 
of the pharynx ; the palate bone, forming and sup- 
porting the roof or arch of the mouth ; the bones 
of the nose, communication with which is often 
made from the palate bone, and through the dis- 
ease the greater portions are sometimes destroyed 
or carried away ; the maxillary or jaw-bones ; 
the sternum or breast bone ; the radius and ulna, 
or bones of the forearm ; the ribs ; the clavicles 



SYPHILIS. 163 

or shoulder bones ; and the tibia or shin bones, 
all which are very liable to be affected because 
of the thinness of their coverings. 

Previous to the disease reaching the solid 
portions of the bones, inflammation and swelling 
of the periosteum and the tissues occur, followed 
with thickening and enlargement of the parts 
affected ; afterward ulceration and gangrene 
takes place, discharging most offensive, acrid 
and fetid humors or matter, embracing the me- 
dullary and adipose (or marrow and fatty) por- 
tions of the bone. 

Small hard tumors the size of a pea, sometimes 
double, are found upon the tongue during the 
third stage ; when inflamed they become soft 
and suppurate, interfering much with its natural 
and accustomed use in speech, deglutition, or 
eating and swallowing. 

In a previous section I have said that no 
bones were exempt from the effects of syphilis ; 
inflammation and swelling of the periosteum, etc., 
may arise in any bone and take on the course, 
as before represented, affecting the joints in 
similar manner with other portions ; but inflam- 
mation of the same parts may arise and become 
very painful, the pains properly termed rheuma- 
tic, and independent of any syphilitic taint. In 
such cases, however, there is little doubt, a mer- 
curial taint is present, and in most instances, if 
not all, may be termed " mercurial rheumatism," 
arising from the use of mercury during the ex- 
istence of some other disease, and when the 



164 VENEREAL DISEASES. 

attending physician has administered or pre- 
scribed it ; as mercurialists are to be found, who 
consider the mineral their sheet anchor and hope 
in many diseases. 

To the profession, the transitions during syphi- 
lis, as described by me, may lack professional 
minutiae or technicalities. What I have said 
and written, however, has been done in as brief 
and intelligible a manner as possible, that those 
more particularly interested, the afflicted espe- 
cially, may become somewhat enlightened as to 
the results of syphilis, and thus be forewarned 
to take timely measures to avert its consequences 
from the beginning. The extent of this work 
will not, besides, admit of a more comprehensive 
view, description, and history of syphilis, through- 
out its different stages, that might be more de- 
sired or interesting to the profession ; still suf- 
ficiently so, to attain the desired end, that of 
benefit to the class for which this small work is 
more particularly written and published. 

Tertiary syphilis having advanced to an ex- 
treme condition, that is, in its latter period or 
phase, is sometimes termed, or known as Syphi- 
litic cachexia, and generally occurs among 
patients as before referred to of scrofulons taint 
or combination with syphilis ; among the dissi- 
pated ; persons of worn-out constitutions, etc. 
It is impossible for me, and I believe any other, 
more intelligibly to convey to the mind or under- 
standing of any one, what is meant or under- 
stood by syphilitic cachexia, than is represented 



SYPHILIS. 165 

by M. Ricord of Paris, and shall, therefore, 
quote his words : 

" If I were to attempt a description of syphi- 
litic cachexia, I should fail to convey to you a 
clear notion of it, because its characters are not 
sufficiently well defined ; it might, indeed, be 
called an exaggeration, and an accumulation, of 
all the forms, which we have hitherto studied, 
combined with loss of flesh, paleness, flabbiness 
of all textures, sallow hue of the skin, weakness 
of the intellectual faculties, scorbutic manifesta- 
tions, and finally hectic or scorbutic fever, with 
exacerbations toward the evening. This fever 
very often persists, when the external cachetic 
symptoms have entirely disappeared ; and it is 
useful to know that it is sometimes symptomatic 
of an internal suppuration, which escapes our 
notice. To all these symptoms, aphonia is soon 
added ; diarrhoea, profuse sweats, and defective 
nutrition come on, and death at last relieves the 
wretched being from his sufferings." 

Whilst at a former page I have spoken of 
syphilis as affecting the heart, liver, lungs, etc., 
it would be useless for me here to say much in 
relation to their syphilitic condition ; still under 
any circumstances, however hopeless, would I 
be willing to render any possible assistance ; and 
in the language of Wm. Acton, a celebrated 
surgeon of Paris, on witnessing the post mortem 
examination by Mr. Hetley, of the case of a 
young girl aged seventeen, who died under pecu- 
liar circumstances, seduced, deserted, etc., would, 



166 VENEREAL DISEASES. 

I repeat : " Reader, could you stand by and see 
a human creature brought to an untimely grave 
by syphilis, and not feel a pang at being unable 
to stay this plague, which spares the life of a 
common harlot, and hurries into eternity such 
frail vessels as these. If these be thy victims, 
syphilis, art thou not a punishment sent by the 
Almighty, as some have supposed ! . . . . 
Cachexia syphilitica is a very rare complaint ; it 
proved fatal in London only twelve times in 
three years ; when it does occur, however, the 
prognosis is very serious, still the surgeon should 
never despair. " 



SEXUAL DISEASES. 

Under this head I shall embrace descriptions 
of affections existing, and peculiar to one or 
both sexes ; forbidding mostly, application to 
family physicians, through fear, diffidence, or 
modesty in very many instances among youth 
of either sex, and the more advanced at all ages, 
single or married. In all such cases, Dr. N. B. 
Leidy can, at all times, be privately consulted 
at his offices (which are so arranged that one 
person never sees or hears another), for a small 
and reasonable fee ; or he can be confidentially 
addressed by letter, and enclosing a small fee. 
No first communication for information only, 
will receive attention, unless enclosing, at least, 
one dollar; — or as much more as in the judg- 
ment of the writer, may be thought compensa- 
tory, proportioned to the importance of the in- 
formation desired. 

Herpes Pr^eputialts ; — consists upon its 
first appearance of small groups of unnaturally 
red spots or pinhead-sized vesicles upon the 
genitals of either sex, attended with heat, and 
an uneasy or annoying itching sensation ; the 
spots disappearing sometimes at intervals, and 
the vesicles also sometimes dry, shrink, and form 

(167) 



168 SEXUAL DISEASES. 

thin scales, which peel or fall off ; at other times 
filling with a transparent fluid, they break of 
themselves, or through accidental friction, run 
into and produce an extending superficial patch 
upon the surface, covered with an ichorous trans- 
parent lymph or fluid, producing much irritation, 
soreness, and pain, followed by ulceration and 
excoriation ; or drying, a thin scabious covering 
is formed over the extent of the patch, and inflam- 
ing, becomes very sensitive and painful, followed 
with the very singular effect of disturbing the 
functions of the stomach, affecting the appetite 
and digestion, and mostly attended with febrile 
symptoms. If the male prepuce be much elon- 
gated, and herpes appears upon its annular edge 
or folds, through friction from the garments, 
irritation is increased; and the sores or ulce- 
rations are made much more troublesome and 
difficult to treat or cure in consequence of it, 
and because also, of the urine being so frequently 
diffused over the parts during micturition, and 
which cannot be easily prevented, and the edge 
of the prepuce being so sore and contracted, it 
cannot be drawn back. 

It may seem to the reader that in the descrip- 
tion of herpes prceputialis, there is little differ- 
ence between it and chancrous sores as described 
under the head of Syphilis. The latter, however, 
is of a strictly contagious character, and forms a 
link in the chain which finally (unless averted) 
involves the whole system or body in a complete 
wreck ; whilst the former (herpes prceputialis) 
is not of a specific contagious character, and its 



SEXUAL DISEASES. 169 

effects more local; — besides, is produced most 
generally through uncleanliness and other irri- 
tating influences, and from offensive sebaceous 
secretions, in the absence of intercourse, but 
sometimes through it, with unclean females, at 
improper, forbidden periods. (See Leviticus, c. 
xv : v. 19 to 28.) Herpes applies to, and em- 
braces also, local conditions or affections, as 
tetter, itch, ringworm, etc. ; Herpes prceputialis, 
denotes a peculiar diseased condition, and so 
called because indicative of its locality, the pre- 
puce as the principal ; but adjacent parts become 
also affected from similar causes. 

Pruritus, or itching of the genitals, — 
is distinguished from herpes of the same organs, 
by an excessive itching of the parts, unattended 
with vesicular secretions or papuloe, and not fol- 
lowed by ulceration or excoriations as a conse- 
quence ; but inflammation and sores are pro- 
duced sometimes by constant rubbing and scratch- 
ing of the parts affected, of a character that 
may be produced in the same manner on any 
other portion of the body, where itching may 
exist. Pruritus as applicable to the genitals, 
seems to be most prevalent among females, whe- 
ther single or married — pregnant or otherwise. 
In the beginning an itching and elevation of 
peculiar reddish appearance is felt and observed 
upon some visible part. The itching rapidly 
becomes more intense ; spreading and extending 
over adjacent parts, thickening and swelling be- 
15 



nO SEXUAL DISEASES. 

sides, until becoming so severe and almost in- 
tolerable at intervals, and suddenly or unex- 
pectedly too, as even induces, and I may say, 
obliges females to violate decency in scratching 
or rubbing when it cannot be avoided or resisted. 
Extending within the labia and vagina, the vulva, 
os uteri, etc., the distress is much greater, be- 
cause productive of unpleasant consequences, 
inducing voluptuous feelings and desires, some- 
times the forerunner of serious and disgraceful 
indiscretions. 

During pregnancy it is more common than 
previously ; wiien occurring, however, at any 
period, much relief will be found in frequent 
ablutions and injections of weak solutions of 
sugar of lead or borax (two drachms of either 
to a quart, rose or plain water) ; — a wineglass- 
ful pure cider vinegar in a quart of water ; — 
and even of cold water itself; — exteriorly the 
application of ice will give relief, and as a last 
resort, a tablespoonful of the solution or water 
of ammonias, which may be procured from any 
druggist, added to half a gallon of water, will 
temporarily relieve, where other articles named 
may fail. All failing, special advice should be 
sought, as there may be causes existing, requir- 
ing it ; and where females may be otherwise 
afflicted or diseased, I must not, however, be un- 
derstood as recommending those ablutions or 
injections. 

Trifling as this affection may appear, it not 
only is distressing in its unpleasantness and feel- 
ing, but often gives rise to unmerited, and 



SEXUAL DISEASES. .1*11 

unjustifiable suspicions, resulting in domestic 
troubles and difficulties ; because of parties be- 
ing ignorant of the fact of its origin and exist- 
ence at all ages, independent of intercourse. It 
as often occurs, even among infants early after 
birth as later. "When occurring at a late period 
in the absence of intercourse among the virtuous 
and single, as well as after marriage, previous 
to, or during pregnancy, I have given views and 
information so far as to protect the innocent, and 
as far as practicable to protect themselves from 
the annoying and distressing effects of it. 

Males are not exempt from pruritus or its 
effects, but are not so liable for reasons explained 
at page 90 ; because of the facilities to cleanli- 
ness, being greater in the male than female ; un- 
cleanliness being one of the leading, and I may 
almost say, principal causes of pruritus, whether 
from bad or neglectful nursing when occurring 
in infancy, or ignorance, indifference, neglect, 
or other causes at a later period, in youth or at 
maturity, single or married, of either sex. 

Pedtcula or Crabs. — While on the subject 
of pruritus or itching of the genitals, it may not 
be out of place to refer to itching of adjacent 
parts, namely, of the mons-veneris and pubes, 
situated in the sexes immediately over the geni- 
tals, and mostly thickly covered with hair. The 
itching of the parts is sometimes equally annoy- 
ing, distressing, and intolerable, as of other 
parts named in previous sections, as almost to 
cause them to violate decency. It is caused by 



H2 SEXUAL DISEASES. 

small insects called crabs, a peculiar species of 
louse (differing from those of the head), fastening 
themselves so closely to the base of the hair, as 
scarcely to be perceived ; although not perceived 
at all times, their bites betray their presence or 
existence, causing much itching and irritation, 
and upon being rubbed and scratched, which is 
inevitable, the parts oft become much inflamed 
and sore. They occasionally locate themselves 
upon the breast, and in the arm-pits, where 
covered with hair, but seldom are found upon 
the head. 

Those pestiferous insects are conveyed from 
one to another in some manner, but from circum- 
stances must be left to conjecture, not being posi- 
tively known. Naturalists represent, they in- 
crease very rapidly (particularly among filthy 
and unclean persons), a very small number in- 
creasing in twenty to thirty days to many thou- 
sands ; — that they leave the bodies of those 
affected with infectious or contagious diseases, 
and the dead ; taking refuge in their garments 
or bedclothes, seemingly aware of infection or 
contagion; and which is besides somewhat re- 
markable, mercury (showing its baneful influ- 
ence) is fatal to them ; as mercurial ointment 
applied or rubbed over the parts three or 
four times, for as many consecutive days, com- 
pletely annihilates them ; afterward washing the 
parts with soap and water, and running a fine 
tooth comb over the surface, evidence of the fact 
will be fully manifest. Bathing the parts with 
decoctions of tobacco, Cayenne pepper, white 



SEXUAL DISEASES. 1T3 

hellebore root or fish berries will sometimes also 
destroy them. 

In the event of the parts having become in- 
flamed, the surface sore and raw through rub- 
bing and scratching, such sores, etc., must be 
healed by other means; otherwise through ab- 
sorption, the employment of mercurial ointment 
may lead to salivation, or persons be poisoned 
by bathing with the decoctions. Circumstances 
should, therefore, govern as to seeking advice. 

MENSTRUATION. 

Menstruation, so generally and familiarly 
known, scarcely admits of much to be said in re- 
lation to it, except something perhaps may be 
said in addition to what is known by many, be- 
sides information and advisory remarks that may 
be beneficial to very many. 

By Menstruation is understood, a discharge pe- 
culiar to females occurring periodically, monthly ; 
generally calculated by the lunar month of twenty- 
eight days, though as often occurring three or 
four days before or after. The discharge taking 
place as stated is generally conceded to be from 
the uterus or womb, per vagina, differing from 
ordinary blood ; as to the source from whence 
discharged, or its nature and character, space 
will not admit of arguing in so small a work, — 
nor, is it the intention of the author as often be- 
fore expressed to theorise, on points of little 
benefit to the readers of it. 
15* 



114 SEXUAL DISEASES. 

The first appearance of the menstrual dis- 
charge (or flow, as it is sometimes called) takes 
place about the age of puberty ; the period at 
which youth of either sex is supposed to pass 
into a state or condition to propagate. This 
period in the female varies, sometimes occurring 
at ten or twelve years (and mothers at those ages) 
in hot climates ; and in the colder climates of 
the North occurring at twenty years and up- 
wards ; whilst in our region or country the average 
period is fourteen or fifteen years. Females 
generally cease to menstruate at about thirty 
years after the commencement, or first show 
(called the change of life). The quantity of men- 
strual fluid discharged also varies, being great- 
est in very warm climates, and less in colder ; 
exceptions occurring, however, among females 
in whatever climate, dependent upon consti- 
tution, mode of living, feeble and of delicate 
health, etc. 

Mothers generally know the circumstances 
and indications antecedent to menstruation, 
whether among their own daughters, or others. 
For information of many however, not knowing, 
I will state that preceding the first appearance 
there are generally some of the following feel- 
ings and symptoms manifest : namely, sluggish- 
ness, faintness, exhaustion from little exertion, 
palpitation of the heart, irritability, peevishness, 
nervousness, restlessness day or night, hysterical 
feelings, headache, feverishness, pain along the 
middle of the back or across the loins, etc. The 
appearance of the first menstrual discharge is of 



SEXUAL DISEASES. 1?5 

a pale color at first, bat after succeeding periods 
changes to the resemblance of venous blood, 
though differing from it in character ; after 
which time there is generally a perceptible 
change, in the appearance of the female ; the 
mammae or breasts begin to enlarge — the chest 
to expand — the form and figure begin to be 
more fully developed— the voice often changes 
. — and there is also a change of demeanor or 
general deportment and ways, — increased vivacity 
in looks and expression, partaking more of the 
character of woman, becoming more settled, 
dignified and guarded, in her movements and 
actions, than previously. The unpleasant sen- 
sations and feelings preceding, and consequent 
upon the change at first, among the healthy, 
lessen and disappear entirely after three or four 
successive and regular periods. 

Notwithstanding the natural periodical chan- 
ges or discharges may be established for many 
months, or even years, there often occurs derange- 
ments and consequences, difficult sometimes to 
be accounted for, which cannot be fully described 
in so small a work ; but when occurring under 
very peculiar circnmstances, it would be most 
wise and prudent to apply to the family or other 
physician. Certain derangements or interrup- 
tions alluded to, I shall, however, in following 
sections briefly describe or account for, and ad- 
vise appropriate means or course to be pursued, 
as shall be deemed proper and prudent, at the 
same time be made as effectual as can be, under 
existing circumstances. 



176 SEXUAL DISEASES. 

First. — Amenorrhea, the retention or tardy appear* 
ance of the menses. By menses is understood the men- 
strual discharge or flow, natural to females, and occur- 
ring mostly at the end of each lunar month. 

The discharge not appearing for the first time at an 
age or period, as is thought or supposed by many it 
should (and by some meddlesome or officious women 
knowing it must) ; young females are often subjected to 
many unpleasant recourses to force it, and drugged with 
teas, nauseous mixtures, vile and dangerous compounds, 
and all the quack menstruating nostrums or pills, etc., 
of the day, to an extent seriously affecting their general 
health, and endanger life — whilst if nature was permit- 
ted to have her own way, assisted by active and unre- 
strained exercise in the pure and open air, a wholesome 
diet, etc., avoiding damp and wet, or extreme cold, she 
(nature) would accomplish all that is necessary or re- 
quired at proper times or periods, and usual good health 
be retained. 

The idea that a change should or must take place at a 
particular or stated period, under all circumstances, 
among females, because occurring according to observa- 
tion or custom, with a majority, should not be entertained ; 
as there are exceptions, because of constitutional differ- 
ences — modes or manner of living — pursuits or occupa- 
tions — character of food and nourishment, wholesome or 
otherwise — care and attention, or negligence in some re- 
spects, particularly in earlier years, etc. ; all which con- 
tribute more or less in influencing the natural change at 
certain periods. 

Unless in cases of retention or tardy appearance of 
the menses, there should be undoubted unhealthy or un- 
natural conditions or indications existing or manifest, 
justifying interference, it is cruel if not criminal for 
physicians, mothers or others, or females of themselves 
to force nature at the risk of future health or life. 

Second. — Suppression of the Menses, or a want of 
their return periodically after the discharge had been 
regularly established. Among married females it most 



SEXUAL DISEASES. 1?7 

generally is the result of pregnancy (and sometimes also 
among the single or unmarried). There are other causes, 
however, and when occurring, the return of the menses 
should be promoted early as possible to ensure future 
good health. Among the causes, at the time they should 
appear, and even occurring soon after having commenced 
to flow, are sudden changes from warm to cold — exposure 
or remaining in a damp or cold situation and getting 
chilled, eating ices or ice-creams, drinking freely of ice- 
water, taking cold baths, accidental falls or injuries, 
sudden alarm or fright, trouble and anxiety, excitements 
and outbursts of feeling and passion, etc. 

Among the symptoms and consequences of suppres- 
sion, and becoming more severe and alarming after several 
periods without menstruating from various causes (ex- 
cept pregnancy) ; are headache, dizziness or faintness, 
feverishness and thirst, pain of the sides, across the loins, 
of the back, and lower extremities, sluggish appetite, 
griping pains of the stomach and bowels, the eyes be- 
come very red, face flushed, etc. Decline of health fol- 
lows, also bleeding at the nose or hemorrhages of the 
lungs or other organs, paleness of complexion, suffocating 
sensations, nervousness, languor, 'palpitation of the 
heart, depression of spirits, emaciation, prostration, 
general debility, etc. It often happens, leucorrhcea (vul- 
garly called the " whites") supervenes, adding much to 
the already distressed condition of those suffering from 
suppression, often resisting all treatment, resulting in the 
continuance of long suffering, misery, and early death. 

Various are the means, and as various are the circum- 
stances and conditions or situations requiring varied 
treatment, to restore the discharge, making it almost 
imperative (certainly the most prudent) to seek profes- 
sional aid or advice without delay. 

I will however, suggest means, prescribe and give 
some advice, whereby very many by timely attention, 
may avert the consequences, and be relieved from much 
suffering through suppression or irregularity, in the 
absence of pregnancy. 



118- SEXUAL DISEASES. 

After the menses have been, for some months, regu- 
larly established, females can generally calculate as to 
the time of their monthly return, "within one to three 
days. If after three days' allowance, there be no indica- 
tions, it is advisable something should be done, to make 
it certain, if possible ; as what may then be done, can 
be, without any bad effects whatever; to delay, day 
after day, dependent upon hope, is too often but time 
lost without realization, and but adds to trouble in effect- 
ing what may have been earlier accomplished. 

There are numerous vegetable or herb teas, known 
among females as beneficial ; and of those known to me 
as used by them, such as pennyroyal, tanzy, thyme, 
wormwood, catnip, hoarhound, etc. I know of none 
that are objectionable; I know also they are generally 
aware of the benefits of warm, hip or vapour baths, and 
the immersion of the feet above the ancles, for several 
nights, for ten minutes or more before retiring to bed, in 
salt or wood ash-water, warm as can be borne ; all which 
I would recommend, and that it should not be delayed 
after the third day of the anticipated flow. In ad- 
dition, however, I would recommend also the taking of 
one or other of the following (which may be obtained 
from apothecaries, or if in the country, no doubt can be 
procured from the family or neighbouring physician), 
namely : 

Pills of Aloes and Myrrh, No. 30. 
Or, Pills of Aloes and Iron, do. 

Take 2 at a time of either, 2 or 3 times a day. 
Or, Tincture of Guiacum, i ounce. 
Or, Elixir Propriotatus, do. 

Take 15 to 20 drops of either, three times a day, in 
warm tea, or a wineglassful milk or water. 

Or, Tincture of muriate of Iron, J ounce. 
Take 10 to 15 drops, 3 or 4 times a day, in water. 

Or, Hiera picra, one drachm. 
Mix in a half- pint best gin; shake well, and take a 



SEXUAL DISEASES. 1*79 

tablespoonful in a wineglassful or more warm water, 
twice or three times a day. 

Either of the foregoing, all being about equally effec- 
tual, may be taken for one week, after the contemplated 
time in conjunction with the teas, soaking feet, the ancles, 
etc., unless effectual in a shorter time. If not then effec- 
tual, the course should be discontinued, and resumed 
near the next period, commencing one week before the 
anticipated time ; and if not effectual, continued a couple 
days after, if the general health or condition of females 
otherwise will admit, requiring some discretion and 
judgment, more particularly as relates to feeble and deli- 
cate, or healthy and strong constitutions. Though it 
might be most advisable after failure of usual means in 
restoring the menses at the first attempt, to seek medical 
advice at the second ; I would particularly urge it, in the 
interval between the second and third ; as neglect to do 
so, too often results as has been previously described. 

f^^** Of all the conditions, situations or ailments of the 
female sex, there is none where so wide a field is open 
for the Empyric, Quack or Impostor, and under certain 
circumstances taken advantage of by them, to practice 
fraud and deception, as upon females suffering from what- 
ever cause, with irregularity or suppression of the menses. 
Because of the great anxiety, dread and fear of suffer- 
ing, and misery among females, arising from irregularity 
and suppression, through various causes, sometimes 
pregnancy under peculiar circumstances not desired, in- 
volving exposure and disgrace. Impostors recommend 
and advertise pills, etc., with the ostensible purpose of 
relieving such, but particularly cautioning married or 
pregnant women not to take them. In reality, design- 
edly, under a delusive hope tempting or' inducing preg- 
nant females, who may misconstrue the meaning of such 
caution, to buy them; they, the Impostors knowing of 
their inefncacy — as if otherwise they would not dare to 
advertise them, because of their liability to criminal 
prosecution. Hence, bread or other inoffensive pills and 
preparations are manufactured, to avoid the possibility 



180 SEXUAL DISEASES. 

or risk of miscarriage or clanger of prosecution, sold by 
them, recommended and advertised as requiring caution 
in their use, to delude pregnant females, single or mar- 
ried, into a belief of their efficacy, through which thou- 
sands are not only deceived in their expectations, but rob- 
bed also of various amounts. A little reflection will cer- 
tainly convince females of common sense, that any one 
article accomplishing so much under such a variety of 
circumstances, as is connected with menstruation, must 
be a fraud and imposition. 

J$@^ I would here remark that in cases of Irregulari- 
ties or Suppression of the menses among females, single 
or married, from whatever cause, or whatever their cir- 
cumstances or conditions ; they can privately consult me 
at my offices, or in addressing me (enclosing reasonable 
fee), describing all particular feelings, symptoms, etc. ; 
they will receive advice, instructions and medicines, be- 
sides candid views and information as their situations 
may require. Medicines can, at all times, be sent by 
mail, or will be sent as directed. 

Third. — Dysmenorrhea, or painful menstruation. 
This occurs among the single and married during men- 
struation, more or less severe; at times not less so than 
attends generally a miscarriage or difficult labor. To 
many, the anticipated period for menstruation is looked 
for with dread and horror, because of so much suffering. 
In some instances causes are known or conjectured, in 
others they are unknown to females themselves. Cold 
and miscarriages or abortions are among the causes, but 
there are others, such as internal injuries, ulcerations and 
diseases of the womb, obstructions, etc., which would 
require professional treatment particularly, and therefore 
would be of little use to describe here, as they could not 
effectually be prevented or removed by females them- 
selves ; there being circumstances often attendant re- 
quiring much discretion and judgment as to what should 
be done. 

I will recommend, however, means which may tend to 
allay pain and suffering, less at each time until disap- 



SEXUAL DISEASES. 181 

pearing, in a majority of instances entirely, if perse- 
vered in for several successive periods ; when not, pro- 
fessional aid should be resorted to. 

Upon the least indication of the time of menstruation 
being at hand, a warm body bath, or if not to be had, a 
warm water or vapour hip bath, or steaming in a sitting 
posture over a jet or current of steam from some boiling 
water or tea of herbs heretofore named, contained in 
some vessel with a small spout, repeated if necessary 
a few times, very often gives relief. Sometimes hot gin 
or brandy-toddy, or a small teaspoonful spirits of cam- 
phor in hot water and sugar, will give instantaneous re- 
lief; if the discharge be very scanty, a small teaspoonful 
of Tincture of Guiacum, added to the foregoing, and 
taken two or three times a day, will facilitate as well 
as lessen much the painful discharge : the Tincture of 
Guiacum, however, is not objectionable at anytime. In 
case of costiveness, hot Senna and Manna tea is strongly 
recommended. Laudanum, Opium, Morphia, and Ergot, 
I am aware is often employed, but is very seldom effectual : 
whilst the course I have advised, if repeated several 
periods, is in very many cases successful in dispelling 
painful menstruation altogether, or until renewed from 
some cause. 

In all cases of baths, vapour steaming, or soaking the 
feet and ancles in hot water, it is important to have the 
body covered with blankets or other warm coverings, 
avoiding contact with cold air; and it would be most 
advisable, as well as after drinking hot teas, toddies, 
etc., immediately to get into a warm bed, to keep warmly 
oovered, and particularly keeping so, during perspiration, 
which is most certain to follow, and is besides beneficial. 

Fourth. — Menorrhagia, or an immoderate and exces- 
sive menstrual discharge, occurring at monthly periods, 
although sometimes varying and occurring irregularly 
at intervals of two and three weeks. Menorrhagia i* 
sometimes confounded with Haemorrhagia, or hemorrhage. 
excessive discharges of venous blood from within the 
vagina, as sometimes appears — though occurring from 

16 



182 SEXUAL DISEASES. 

various other organs also — the nose, lungs, bowels, etc. 
The latter may, however, be distinguished from the 
former, as natural venous blood coagulates, whilst men- 
strual bloody discharges do not. 

The quantity of menstrual fluid or blood varies, being 
much greater in some females than others. A true 
mssnorrhagia (unusual excessive flow) often follows mis- 
carriages or abortions for many months ; although it 
occurs also among the unimpregnated, — the plethoric, 
robust and feeble, — particularly if indolent, inactive, 
and living luxuriously ; also from having indulged much, 
imprudently and unnaturally. 

The continuance of Menorrhagia results in much de- 
bility, languor, disturbed stomach, paleness of the com- 
plexion, frequent headaches, faintness, palpitation of the 
heart, coldness of the extremities, dropsical effusions, 
etc., sooner or later, seriously affecting the general 
health and constitution. 

At each return when there is apparently an unnatural, 
excessive flow of the menstrual fluid, rest and composure 
in bed, not too warmly clad or covered, is strictly en- 
joined ; — spirituous and vinous liquors, and warm teas, 
or drinks of all kinds are prohibited, and cold lemonade 
or water permitted ; or if feverish, the holding of ice in 
the mouth, swallowing as it melts. If very costive, 
active drastic purgative medicines are forbidden, but 
cooling saline medicines, sufficient only to produce easy 
evacuations from the bowels, may be taken. In case of 
sick stomach or pains of the bowels, 30 to 40 drops 
Paregoric or of Hoffman's anodyne (when colored, called 
Golden Tincture) may be taken, according to circum- 
stances, in some sugar and water, every one or two 
hours, until abating, and not exceeding five doses. In 
violent cases a pill of two grains of sugar of lead with 
the eighth of a grain of sulphate of morphia, may be 
taken every two hours, until abating, and not exceeding 
one pill every two hours, nor more than six pills alto- 
gether, in twelve hours. 

Injections per vaginam, of one drachm of sugar of lead 



SEXUAL DISEASES. 183 

dissolved in a quart of lukewarm water, and a table- 
spoonful of laudanum added ; — or of oak bark tea, alone, 
or one drachm of alum added, and dissolved in a quart 
of the tea; — or of two drachms alum alone, in a quart 
of water, will be useful. Injections of one giil to half a 
pint of either, to be made three or four times, oroftener, 
if necessary, a day, and retained in a lying position. In 
addition, the application of cloths or napkins steeped in 
cold water and vinegar, kept applied to the lower part 
of the abdomen, below the stomach, to be renewed when- 
ever getting warm, are also very beneficial. — During in- 
tervals between the periods, moderate and gentle exer- 
cise is recommended, also the drinking of cold bitter 
herb teas, and porter, or brown stout, when debilitated ; 
in summer, salt, sulphur or chalybeate water bathing, 
or whether in summer or winter, cool water injections, 
once a day, during the intervals between menstruations, 
will prove very efficacious. It must be an extreme case., 
indeed, where the foregoing will not prove a decided 
benefit eventually ; gradually overcoming in many cases, 
the superabundant discharge at each periodical return., 
until reduced to a healthful quantity. If failing, how- 
ever, it will be necessary to introduce tampons and otheT 
treatment, requiring professional assistance. 

Fifth. — Cessation or decline of the Menses: — gene- 
rally known as the critical period, or change of life in 
woman. In our climate this generally occurs about the 
forty-fifth year, occasionally a little earlier or later. 
For several months before taking place the menstrual 
discharge is sometimes irregular, appearing more often, 
or not so often as usual; — less scanty or more profuse 
in quantity, than previously, conditions and circumstan- 
ces influencing it. 

There are a variety of feelings and symptoms occur 
preceding, and about the time of change in females, 
such as hysterical and nervous ; anxiety, dread or fear 
of something dangerous about to take place ; the result 
mostly of officious, meddlesome and knowing friends. 



184 SEXUAL DISEASES. 

who knew or heard of awful consequences, caused by 
change of life, when no doubt in such cases there were 
other conditions connected, as scirrhus, cancer or other 
affections of the internal organs more serious and alarm- 
ing, of which they were ignorant. Seldom, indeed, is 
there the least cause for apprehending bad consequences 
from the change itself, unless from ignorance, great 
negligence, carelessness, etc., through which many suf- 
fer, when not otherwise afflicted. There is, however, 
often an enlargement of the mammse, abdomen, and 
swelling of the extremities, disturbance, pain or griping 
of the stomach and bowels, pain across the loins, or 
along the back, etc., giving rise under some circum- 
stances to apprehensions of pregnancy ; but all disap- 
pearing through the change, such fears are dispelled 
also. Sometimes pains of the limbs occur, thought 
rheumatic, cutaneous eruptions oh different parts of the 
body, sometimes erysipelas, violent headache and febrile 
symptoms appear; all which disappear with the cessa- 
tion of the menses, or are easily controlled with little 
eare and proper treatment after. 

But little medicine is seldom required at or about the 
time of change. Wholesome advice is much more re- 
quired. Thus, a light nourishing diet and moderate 
exercise in the pure open -dry air, neither too warm or 
extreme cold is recommended; regularity of the bowels 
particularly necessary ; if irregular, to be gently moved 
with saline medicines, which are to be preferred, or 
castor oil. In some instances of very plethoric females, 
suffering severely from headache, dizziness or faintness, 
bleeding is sometimes necessary. Tonics are not re- 
quired, except among the very feeble, hysterical and 
nervous. Should there be any more alarming symptoms, 
than those named, it is almost certain other causes exist, 
and medical attendance may be advisable, and as appli- 
cable here, I would repeat a remark during a lecture of 
the late Professor Dewees — "As much judgment is re- 
quired to know, when not to give medicine, as to do so." 



SEXUAL DISEASES. 185 

LEUCORRHCEAj OR FLUOR ALBUS. 
VULGARLY CALLED "THE WHITES." 

This is a discharge originating and emanating from 
within the vaginal parts, its surfaces, the vulva and os- 
uteri; proceeding from within the cavity of the uterus 
is doubtful, although not improbable. 

It exists among girls in childhood, mostly through 
uncleanliness, though sometimes from ascarides or seat- 
worms, or some other local irritation. Among females 
more advanced, there are numerous causes of leucorrhoea, 
which will be more particularly noticed hereafter. 

There is no condition, ailment or disease among 
females, whether before, at, or after puberty, the single 
and married at all ages, the virtuous, moral or unchaste, 
so annoying, disagreeable, loathsome and distressing as 
leucorrhoea; the cause of great anxiety and trouble, 
affecting both body and mind, and leading to consequen- 
ces, causing much misery, suffering, and unhappiness. 

So different and numerous are the causes producing 
it, that much care is required and necessary to prevent 
it; it is often unavoidable and also unaccountable, hap- 
pening without any positive known cause. 

Among young females, leucorrhoea is sometimes the 
result of improperpractices andindulgences combined (see 
page 77, and following pages), producing serious effects 
upon their general health: such as want of appetite, 
nervousness and hysteria, languor, depression of spirits, 
prostration and debility, palpitation of the heart, pale- 
ness and emaciation, restless and sleepless nights, etc. ; 
besides, disturbance of natural functions ending in con- 
stitutional injury, and impairing both mind and body. 

Leucorrhoea frequently precedes the first menstrual 
discharge, and each succeeding one; seldom however 
occurring at the termination : but often takes place 
during the intervals between menstrual periods, and con- 
tinuing until the appearance of the regular natural flow. 
16* 



186 SEXUAL DISEASES. 

The leucorrhoeal discharge is at first of a white milkish 
or starch water appearance ; after a time changing to a 
yellow or yellowish-green ; sometimes small in quantity, 
at other times profuse. Through long continuance, 
neglect and uncleanliness, it becomes somewhat san- 
guineous, escaping in clots, is offensive and causes ex- 
coriations of parts, attended with pain of the pubes, 
back and hips; the complexion changes, becoming sal- 
low; the digestive and other functions are weakened, 
causing sterility, and where such conditions arise during 
pregnancy, miscarriage is often the consequence. 

Leucorrhoea is sometimes confounded with gonorrhoea, 
and among the suspicious and ignorant, causes some- 
times trouble between parties ; more particularly, be- 
cause through intercourse with females who are careless 
and not cleanly, similarly affecting the opposite sex in 
case of individuals of peculiar susceptibility, temperament 
or idiosyncrasy. It also exists in combination with 
Amenorrhoea, Menorrhagia and Dysmenorrhcea as de- 
scribed in former pages, adding much difficulty to its 
cure. 

As before stated the causes of leucorrhoea are numer- 
ous ; I will name many of them as most common — 
namely, frequent exposures to moist, damp, wet and 
cold, — poor, impoverishing unwholesome and irregular 
living, — sedentary habits and occupations, — excessive 
mental and bodily exertion and fatigue from employ- 
ment, dancing, riding on horseback, and violent exer- 
cise, — debility or weakness through sickness, from mis- 
carriages, abortions, tedious or long labour, frequent 
child bearings, long suckling of infants, while prostrated, 
— displacements, injuries or diseases of the Womb, — 
irritation from ascarides (seat-worms), hardened feces in 
the rectum, hemorrhoids or piles, — frequent or improper 
use of aloetic and other drastic medicines — uncleanli- 
ness and irritation caused by pessaries and other sup- 
porters, — excessive venery or sexual intercourse, — lux- 
urious living, high seasoned food and too free indulgence 
in wines or stimulating drinks, — irritating injections ; 



SEXUAL DISEASES. 187 

and the last that I shall name, and the most common of 
all causes, "uncleanliness" at all ages, from youth in the 
female sex, to advanced age, single and married, preg- 
nant or otherwise. Scrupulous cleanliness, as so often 
urged by me in other places being necessary at all times, 
under all circumstances, as a preventive of many evils, 
and conducive to healthy conditions. 

The most obstinate and aggravated forms of leucor- 
rhoea occur among females afflicted with scrofula, cu- 
taneous eruptions or diseases, gonorrhoea and syphilis, 
as sometimes happens. In those cases I "would par- 
ticularly recommend application to a competent and skil- 
ful physician, as serious results may otherwise follow. 

In the general treatment of leucorrhoea, when not 
complicated with other diseases, or not of very long 
standing, or not yet having prostrated or debilitated 
much the system, or affected materially the general 
health, I would recommend frequent ablutions, and also 
copious injections of lukewarm water in the manner de- 
scribed at page 132, for the purpose of cleanliness; to 
be followed two or three times a day, for a week or more, 
if necessary, in the interval between the menstruating 
periods, of one or other of the following solutions : 
changing, in case of no apparent benefit, as sometimes 
happens, from one to another ; namely, of iron alum with 
ammonia, or acetate of zinc, or sugar of lead, or borax, or 
alum, or equal quantities of alum and tannin combined ; 
two drachms (or quarter ounce) of either to be dissolved 
in half a gallon rose or pure water, used cold, and the 
injections copious, three or four times a day; from a gill 
to half a pint each time, to be beneficial. 

In case of pain or inflammation in connection with 
leucorrhoea, the addition of a tablespoonful of laudanum 
to the half gallon lead solution is sometimes useful; or 
solution of two drachms nitre, with one drachm alum in 
a half gallon water. Injections of port wine diluted 
about three-fourths, and decoctions of oak bark and 
green tea are sometimes beneficial. 

A most excellent injection, and which may be used at 



188 SEXUAL DISEASES. 

any time also, is a decoction of four ounces red Peruvian 
bark braised, and well boiled in five pints of water, 
strain clear, and if boiled down to less than half a gallon, 
make it up by addition of water, and afterward add 70 
to 80 drops of nitric acid, to be employed cold, three or 
four times daily. During menstruation, injections must 
not be used. 

At the same time of using injections, tonic and as- 
tringent medicines may be taken; as 10 to 15 drops of 
the muriate tincture of iron in water, three times a day ; 
one or two grain pills of quinine, three times a day ; or 
decoctions of Colombo, tormentilla, or gentian roots, 
Peruvian bark, etc. The following pills will also be 
useful : 

Take of Gum Catechu 2 drachms. 

" Powdered Alum 1 drachm. 

" Powdered Opium 8 grains. 

Mix and make into 60 pills ; take 2 or 3 pills, twice a 
day. 

Or, Take of Gum Kino, 

" Extract of Peruvian Bark, 

" Ammonia iron alum, each, 1 drachm. 

Mix and make into 60 pills ; take 2 or 3 pills, twice a 
day. 

A solution of two drachms ammonia iron alum itself 
in a half pint cinnamon or mint water, and a tablespoon- 
ful, taken 2 or 3 times a day, is very beneficial. It may 
be observed, I direct 2 or 3 pills or tablespoonsful ; tho 
lesser quantity is designed for debilitated females, or 
where there may be a disturbed condition of the bowels, 
not admitting of the larger quantities. 

Females of costive or plethoric habits will be much 
benefited by occasional purgative medicines ; but at no 
time during the existence of leucorrhoea should drastic 
purgatives as of aloes, colocynth, etc., be employed. 
Castor oil, rhubarb, magnesia, senna, and manna tea, or 
saline purgatives, are to be preferred. 



SEXUAL DISEASES. 189 

Tepid or cold bathing, two or three times a week, with 
the occasional addition of a couple pounds alum, in a 
tub of bath water, is useful — sea-bathing or chalybeate 
water baths, as well as the drinking of chalybeate 
waters, very moderate exercise (avoiding fatigue) in the 
open air, either in walking or carriage riding, is recom- 
mended. Debilitated females should especially take a 
couple hours' rest during the day, in lying down. A 
light, nourishing and wholesome diet is necessary ; ripe 
fruits admissible ; luxurious living, wines and stimulat- 
ing drinks must be avoided. 

In conclusion of this s«ubject, I would say, that in few 
works, indeed, much more extensive than this, have the 
ailments among females, in connexion with menstruation, 
etc., been so fully treated of. I am, however, fully 
satisfied of its importance, and all modesty or diffidence, 
real or false, aside, it is particularly important, neces- 
sary and conducive to their general health, well being 
and happiness, and there is no reason why they should 
not be as well informed on certain subjects as Man. 



PECULIAR DELICATE SUBJECTS FOR THE SINGLE 

AND MARRIED, OF BOTH SEXES. 

There are many subjects not treated of in this work, being too 
small to do so. To many, however, they would only be of interest in 
gratifying a morbid curiosity. Those wanting information for their 
benefit, or in addition, advice and treatment, will not hesitate paying 
for it through interview or correspondence. — Among the subjects 
alluded to, are. sterility or barrenness, — nymphomania of the female, 
and satyriasis of the male, or amorous feelings and propensities 
almost irrepressible in both, — absence of feelings or desires to cohabit, 
— anxiety for offspring, — causes of, or impediments to conception, — 
how conception or pregnancy may be prevented, — symptoms, signs 
or indications of pregnancy, — miscarriage and abortions, — evidence 
of virginity or chastity, — results of late marriages or inequality in 
years,— loss of sexual power or ability, previously naturally possessed, 
— sexual excesses, — deformities or deficiency of the genital organs, — 
incontinence or total abstinence from sexual intercourse, its effect 
upon the health, mind, vigor, etc., — fitness and safety at nil ages in 
entering into matrimony, — diseases of the bladder, womb and kid- 
neys. There are, besides, other subjects not named; but Dr. N.B. 
Leidy can be privately consulted by interview or correspondence in 
all diseases or situations common or incident to both sexes, be they 
what they may. 



190 SEXUAL DISEASES. 

INFORMATION DESIRED FROM PATIENTS WRIT- 
ING AND ENCLOSING FEE FOR TREATMENT. 

All persons writing should explain their diseases or situations, in 
their own way, avoiding language and terms they do not fully un- 
derstand. All have not the good fortune to be well educated. All I 
desire, is a plain common sense letter in such writing and language 
as the writer is capable of executing; and however bad the writing 
or language, none will see it but myself, and with whom it will be 
sacredly confidential; when done with it will be destroyed, or re- 
turned if desired. Persons not wishing to write in their own names, 
can assume any other, and avoid knowledge of the writer. 

From the appearance, symptoms, character and conditions, effects 
and consequences, given and described in this book, of the most preva- 
lent diseases or situations existing among youth before and after 
puberty, and from maturity to advanced ages, any one will be able 
to judge of the nature of his or her case, and select therefrom a de- 
scription of symptoms, etc., corresponding to their situations. 

In addition to the foregoing, general information in all cases is de- 
sirable ; — as to age; sex; if single, or how long married; if thin and 
slender in form, or robust, fleshy and plethoric ; if feeble and deli- 
cate, or of strong constitution: what complexion: if bilious, costive 
or otherwise; if appetite be good or bad; habits, mode of living and 
occupation. Patients suffering from self-abuse, should, in addition, 
state the age when having commenced, the habit, and at what age 
abandoned; the times and frequency of involuntary emissions; or 
if voluntarily escaping with or without erections ; scanty or profuse ; 
if thin or thick; of what color and appearance, and if smarting 
when urinating. Syphilitic and venereal patients, in addition to the 
description of their cases, are particularly requested to furnish gene- 
ral information as desired. Females also suffering from whatever 
cause, should furnish general information as desired, iu addition to 
the description, or of diseases, conditions or situations incident to 
them, so easily accomplished from information to be derived from 
this book ; and in any case, where with the assistance of the book, 
any one cannot satisfactorily to himself or herself describe their 
symptoms, feelings, condition or situation, let it be done in their own 
way and language; I will guarantee 1 can fully understand them. 



IMPORTANT AND USEFUL MEDICINES, 

PREPARED ONLY BY DR. N. B. LEIDY. 

Dr.Leidy's complexion purifier, removing from the face and all 
portions of the surface of the body, blotches, pimples, or pustules, 
containing small worms or humors; also sores, eruptions, and cu- 
taneous affections generally; (sent by mail, with printed directions, 
free of postage, for $2.50.) 

Dr.Leidy's Tonic and Stimulant, for either sex, at all ages, single 
and married, where naturally feeble, delicate, or deficient in organic 
strength; (sent ,by mail, with printed directions, free of postage, for 
$2.50.) 



SEXUAL DISEASES. 191 



DR. LEIDY'S CRYSTALLINE MEDICINE, 

FOR SINGLE OR MARRIED FEMALES. 

Producing regularity monthly, where previously irregular, and re- 
storing the menstrual flow, when from causes unknown, after hav- 
ing been regularly established, it is suppressed or has ceased. 

This same medicine will also relieve painful menstruation, and 
ensure regularity monthly when established, against general causes, 
when taken according to directions; — for which purpose one pack- 
age (costing two dollars) will be sufficient for four months; or three 
packages (costing five dollars) sufficient for one year. 

Females are allowed and ofttimes obliged to suffer months and 
years, because of unjustifiable and unfounded suspicions, reflecting 
dishonorably and disgracefully upon them (an insult to the sex), par- 
ticularly the innocent, because of some physicians doubting their in- 
tegrity when seeking advice, and refusing to prescribe for their re- 
lief; or if prescribing at all, sometimes deceiving them by directing 
some inert and useless medicine, at the same time pocketing usual 
fees as though prescribing in good faith. 

If there is reason or justification in not prescribing for females, for 
their relief from suffering, arising from causes referred to, because 
forsooth, one of several thousand might injudiciously use the same 
prescribed or other medicine for a special purpose, leaving all others 
to continue in their distress or suffering; — is there not greater reason 
why physicians should desist from prescribing or administering 
opium, laudanum, morphia, aconite, belladonna, stramonium, strych- 
nine, arsenic, prussic acid, chloroform, corrosive sublimate, etc. ? 
medicines, extensively used and prescribed by physicians; but have 
killed their thousands, and are still employed, because of their effects 
being known, for suicidal and murderous purposes; besides pro- 
ducing fatal effects, as often happens when ignorantly, injudiciously, 
carelessly and mistakeably prescribed and furnished by physicians 
and apothecaries. — Altogether producing, in the ways mentioned, 
the deaths of a thousand (perhaps more, or less) of worldly, animated 
and living beings, in proportion to a single miscarriage (of what may 
or may not have been vital), through the effects of some medicine 
employed at an improper time — and for the imprudence of one 
female, thousands of others innocent must be made to suffer, and 
refused relief. 4^ It is not just the innocent shall be made to suffer 
thus for the guilty, according to the views of some ; and Dr. Leidy 
will remark, that on application to him, if in his power to afford re- 
lief for such, he will do it, without being influenced by suspicion, 
scrupulousness, fear, or prejudice. 

Dr. Leidy's Crystalline Medicine, with explicit directions, will be 
sent by mail, free of postage, to any part of the United States, on 
receipt, of two dollars for a single package, or three packages for five 
dollars. To those purchasing, advice or information on any special 
or particular matter connected with one's condition or situation, will 
be given without additional charge. 



192 SEXUAL DISEASES. 

DR. LEIDY'S RESTORER AND INVIGORATOR, 

(For the use of both sexes, at all ages, single or married.) 

Restoring and invigorating those injured through masturbation 
or self-abuse, improper indulgences, or sexual excesses in intercourse. 
as well as others sexually or organically weak or impotent; — so as to 
be competent in complying with natural wants or desires. Of all 
known medicines, it is not believed there is any superior in allaying 
nervous irritation, disturbance or excitement, from whatever cause"; 
and adding to the stability and strength of the nervous system, as 
well as of the entire body. Delicate and feeble youths of either sex. 
will find in this medicine, a restorer to natural health and vigor: 
and of an exhilirating influence, arousing them from that despon- 
dency, melancholy and depressed state of mind which so long has 
borne them down. Extreme or bad cases may require additional 
advice and treatment; and it is recommended to all to describe to me 
fully their conditions, situations, habits, causes, etc., that I may, if 
necessary, direct or advise something beside, which will be done with- 
out extra charge* to all who procure a package; and which will be 
sent with printed directions, and written where necessary, by mail, 
free of postage, to any address, on receipt of five dollars. 



DR. LEIDY'S 
GONORRHEAL (CLAP), OR GLEET RADICAL SPECIFICS; 

AND 

DR. LEIDY'S 

■ SYPHILITIC (POX) REMEDIES. 



4G^=* The foregoing are medicines safe to be taken, without fear of 
exposure in all weathers, and with little or no restraint in living and 
occupation. They are medicines peculiarly Dr. Leidy's own, prepared 
only by him, and cannot be procured elsewhere. Dr. Leidy has em- 
ployed them in thousands of cases, for upwards of twenty-five years, 
more successfully than all other medicines heretofore in use, or that 
are now generally administered and prescribed by others. 



This book will be sent any distance by mail, free of Postage, by 
Dr. N. B. Leidy, for Twenty five Cents; or, six copies for One Dollar: 



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